I Used Sea Shell For Base Of My Run And Under Coop Is This Ok?

[Paul333]

I live in Venice Florida . I was thinking that as well. I will cut a vent in the sides and mesh it. The back top part is mesh. Do you think I need to indtall a fan

would be hard that it is outside. The shell is mixed shell whole and crushed. like you would use on a drive way. I thought that would keep thinks cleaner than chips or sand. Inside the coop I will lay down something soft because it stays dry. What do you think?

 

[Bi0s]

looks real good but metal coops can get hot fast need some good Ventilation for sure and if the shells are crushed they should be ok hmm fla gets pretty hot also some windows and a fan realy help alot i say

 

[Paul333]

Thank You so much ! I have a 14 yr. old and a 9yr old and a new born coming any day!

Any issues with them handling the birds? I am new at all this and want to make sure the kids stay safe and dont get sick or something or they get the birds sick by touching them??

 

[chics in the sun]

That is going to be really hot for chickens in Florida. I would remove an entire wall and replace it with hardware cloth, as well as cut a window in the opposite wall so there is a breeze. Check out "open air coops" on here.
I was just thinking of using crushed shells around the base of the aviary I'm building! I'm glad you brought this up. I figured it would be good drainage and discourage digging around the perimiter. I wouldn't put it where they are walking all the time, though. Leave access to lots of dirt for them to stay cool by dirth-bathing.

 

[rebecky1305]

Since you are in FL i would put vent windows on all sides so there is plenty of cross breeze. Put mesh over them and maybe hinged doors that can be propped open or dropped closed depending on weather. Good luck and happy chicken keeping. How many chickens are you planning?

 

[rebecky1305]

Kids can handle them if they are taught at early on to keep their hands out of their mouths and to wash their hands after handling. Just common sense will keep them safe and healthy.

 

[Paul333]

Right now I have 4 plan on 6 I think

... Would they still lay eggs if it was mesh on the side instead of the solid siding? Or should I just do cut out on each side? they are 4 to 5 weeks old . I closed in the bottom and put heat lamp and Im keeping them outside. It only dips to 60 deg. at night . this is the 3 rd night they are out there and seem to be happy I hope that is ok? I made everything out of aluminum so I dont worry about rot and I can hose out everythying every couple of weeks. I hope im on the right track. Any advise is great. Any answers on if my kids can handle the birds with out fears of getting anything?

 

[Paul333]

Thats what I thought as well. Just making sure

 

[Paul333]

So should I remove the shell from the Base because I used shell for the bottom of the run. I will out shavings in the beds but was planning on keeping shell in the run to keep it not muddy and cleaner . We get a lot of rain down here during the spring. Can I put a bowl of snd or dirt in there in case they want to use it? Is that stupid idea?

 

[Lollipop]

Yup, metal gets really hot. Ventilation is foremost. As for the shells, I would be concerned about cuts to the feet as sea shells tend to be sharp. Also, if they land on shells coming off the roost, it could cause bumblefoot..........Pop