how much poop is there?

[naturababe]

i want to let our chickens free range but i don't want my kids running around in poop all the time. we have a large (but sadly rectangular) lot that is mostly wooded with a small lawn portion. we're building the coop and pen in the woods at the edge of the lawn so that it will be cool in summer but get some sun in the winter (we live in new england). is there going to be tons of chicken poop all over my yard? for the record, i am fine with lots of poop in a coop and cleaning it, etc, i've mucked out plenty of stables in my lifetime, i just worry about the kids on the grass and a baby who puts lots of things in her mouth.

 

[Imp]

Uh Yeah, lots of poop. You might want to consider a chicken free zone for the kids.

Imp

 

[journey11]

How many chickens do you have?? We are on one acre and when I only had 4 chickens, it wasn't so bad. Now that I have 13, it is NASTY and everywhere, so because I don't want my toddler getting into it we just recently fenced the back 40 and I am so much happier now that I don't have to NAG about dirty shoes all the time!

 

[naturababe]

hmm, how high a fence does a chicken free zone need?

 

[naturababe]

i was hoping to end up with about 12 chickens so it sounds like i'm on my way to nasty.

 

[Imp]

Mine don't go over a 5 ft fence, but they could if they wanted. They will wiggle under or around if they could. Watch for small gaps. Smaller or younger chickens fly better than the older heavier large birds.

Imp

 

[journey11]

I'm using a 4' fence, knotted 2x4 woven wire. Tall enough that standard size chickens can't fly over (although I won't say they won't try if they are determined enough, unlikely though). And tall enough to keep stray dogs from jumping over or easily getting at them. Not a predator-proof solution, just enough of a fence to keep the peace and contain the girls while they range during the day.

ETA:

 

[naturababe]

thanks for the welcome.

i'm so on my way to being chicken obsessed.

 

[journey11]

you are in good company, we all are here!

 

[naturababe]

so is there no hope that they will stick more to the leaf litter because that is where all the yummy bugs are?