Idea!!

[emily97]

So I was thinking....

Wouldn't it work to cover the bottom of a run with chicken wire and put either artificial turf, or afterward put dirt on the bottom over the chicken wire?

Then put grass seed over it and let grass grow or just leave the dir.t Would that work or would it cause harm or be in the way?

 

[emily97]

like and comment!!!

 

[twisted-acres-farm]

Unless you burry it DEEP the hens with scratch and possible did up the wire. At least in my experience.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I know some people are fine with chickens on wire, I personally don't want my chickens walking on wire, not all day. Not sure what the chicken wire is for here either... is this for predator protection or for grass protection? As predator protection, any rat or mouse could easily squeeze in.

If the intention is for grass protection, that sounds similar to "grass frames" that are usually wood frames with wire mesh to allow grass to grow through but that chickens can't completely dig up.

Not sure what artificial turf does in either case. It doesn't offer predator protection, the chickens can't eat it or scratch at it, it might cause drainage issues?

 

[21hens-incharge]

I agree they will dig it up. Grass does not stand a chance in a chicken run as what they don't eat they will scratch up.

Once in the ground it decays rapidly and can cause serious foot injuries.

 

[CntryBoy777]

Great idea!!...but not very practical. If poultry wire is what ya are meaning by chicken wire, then ya haven't worked with it very much....if it cuts easy with cutters, then it sure won't stop most predators from getting to the otherside of it....over, under, or thru. The only thing it is good for is separating birds from each other in a common yard. My chickens and ducks are on dirt floors. Just not sure what your goal is, but artificial turf will not last very long with all the washing you'll have to be doing, with the poop...and they will scratch and peck holes all thru it cauing them an impacted crop with the fibers and threads. If you are looking to prevent predators from digging in, then line the bottom of the coop with concrete blocks, or rocks about 6-12" deep.

 

[trudyg]

I think you'd be better off running a length of wire along the outside of the pen. Use wire 'staples' to keep it flat on the ground and then the grass will grow up thru it. You would have to use heavier wire because the chicken wire is thin, easily broken, and will rust. Then you have wire bits that chickens can eat and cause damage. I guess going out 14" or so the entire perimeter of the enclosure.

 

[getaclue]

Wire inside is not that great of an idea. Artificial turf is definitely a bad idea. Dirt should be turned occasionally.

 

[Sara Ranch]

What I did (previous place) was put down chicken wire and made raised garden beds. The dirt was deep enough that the birds didn't reach the chicken wire and I didn't have a problem with ground hogs coming up from underneath. Didn't stop the ground hogs from climbing fences...or digging under fences, but that is another topic.

Chicken wire wouldn't stop rats, voles, moles, mice, or some of the other small predators that might choose to gain access from beneath or to live in the area underneath.

The astroturf - based on my own experiences - a bad idea. The chickens will easily unravel the edges and could have severe heal problems. I use the astroturf for traveling with chickens and it hasn't been a problem, but everyday exposure could be. (My ducks seem to masters at finding the edges and making the turf unravel. The chickens loved to do this too - peck at it - when it was hung over the railing or on the ground. One of the ducks needed emergency care from swallowing a string...scarey! It doesn't get past their crops, but stays there, balling up and creating a blockage.)

In my opinion, putting down chicken wire or hardware cloth and covering it with at least 6" of dirt (would recommend 12" of dirt) and then grass/grass seed should be fine.

If you do put down chicken wire, consider the area - will the dirt erode away quickly? I had raised garden beds and the dirt still managed to disappear and need to be replenished every year.

 

[emily97]

ok, so what are some ideas to help keep the predators out and my chickies in??