Is this terrible or brilliant??

[Floof]

I really appreciate all of your input, especially @NatJ

I think I'll build 1 and test it out for a week before building the rest. Hopefully I can post pictures soon

 

[NatJ]

I think I'll build 1 and test it out for a week before building the rest. Hopefully I can post pictures soon

Testing is always a good idea

Also, if you will be dividing a flock into smaller groups to go into several pens, pay some attention to which ones like to be together and which ones do not. You don't want to accidentally set up a bully/victim situation!

 

[MACCanadianCoop]

How difficult would it be to predator proof your current run? It sounds like you will have to make multiple of these mini coops which could be a lot of work and expensive. Why not put that into making the current coop and run predator proof instead?

 

[U_Stormcrow]

I've not given this much thought, but my initial impresions are that an A frame is the least resource efficient structure you can build. I'd just make a mobile hoop coop, and roll it over a raised bed slightly smaller than than the mobile coop. When its time to move it, lever the wheels down and drag it elsewhere.

 

[linguini]

I am totally up for suggestions! Is there a better shape that would work with the garden box concept? A mini hoop presents issues with how to access it. A rectangle seems like it would let in more rain but maybe I'm wrong? I've only ever used the triangular shape on this scale (I prefer to be able to walk in but that won't be movable)

How about a full size hoop coop on the garden bed?

 

[Krugerrand]

I am totally up for suggestions! Is there a better shape that would work with the garden box concept? A mini hoop presents issues with how to access it. A rectangle seems like it would let in more rain but maybe I'm wrong? I've only ever used the triangular shape on this scale (I prefer to be able to walk in but that won't be movable)

I'm hoping to start on a mini hoop tractor that will be half hoop and half box. If I make progress on it I'll share. My plan is to use it as an isolation coop. Hopefully I will be starting on it this week.

 

[raingarden]

The hardest part of making a raised bed is finding fill material and then filling the box with soil.

But, I don't see how the chickens are going to fill up a planter box for you. The soil level in a traditional run does not rise and start to overflow.

Perhaps you are compromising the coop and run design trying to make it more portable. Why not use a traditional permanent coop and run with plenty of room, good security, auto coop door if desired, and all the other stuff. Then, as needed, scoop up the surface soil and bedding from the run, wheel barrow it over to a raised bed, and replace with some virgin soil and clean bedding.

 

[NatJ]

I don't see how the chickens are going to fill up a planter box for you. The soil level in a traditional run does not rise and start to overflow.

It depends on how much bedding you add, and how often. It certainly can pile up to quite a depth, but it also rots down and gets smaller again as time goes on.

 

[Floof]

The hardest part of making a raised bed is finding fill material and then filling the box with soil.

But, I don't see how the chickens are going to fill up a planter box for you. The soil level in a traditional run does not rise and start to overflow.

Perhaps you are compromising the coop and run design trying to make it more portable. Why not use a traditional permanent coop and run with plenty of room, good security, auto coop door if desired, and all the other stuff. Then, as needed, scoop up the surface soil and bedding from the run, wheel barrow it over to a raised bed, and replace with some virgin soil and clean bedding.

My current non pred proof run is 18 by 50 and I cannot upgrade it on my limited abilities and finances. I need something that I can set up now so that I don't have to struggle as much in the weeks right after my surgery. By next spring I should be back to my old self and can address if I want to.

 

[NorthwoodsChick]

Can you cover two garden beds at once for more space?