Making the coop/run area pretty - show me what you’ve done

[carlaashdown]

These areas start out cute when they’re first built, but it doesn’t take long for all the poop, dirt, dust, rain, etc. to take effect and it starts to look not so pretty. Show me what you’ve done to make the OUTSIDE of your coop/run area pretty.

Rocks, pavers, flowers, borders. etc. Anything!

 

[DotToDot]

A border of rocks always looks nice. You can also landscape your run with most bushes (roses are great), but don’t use milkweed. Chickens will try and get between the wires of the run to eat bushes, but they’ll only get a few inches. Hope this helps!

 

[TaylorGlade]

We decorated the coop itself. We painted it a beautiful blue the color of the sky and white to match clouds. Then, I put a border of sunflower decals on it. It also has a phrase on it that resonates with us. The grass has grown back since this photo was taken.

Our run is completely covered, so I haven't had a lot of luck with growing things in the run. However, on the other side of the building, we have sweet potatoes planted against the mesh. It grows through and the chickens love to eat the leaves.

I plan on planting some marigolds by the door in the spring. I already have them growing in the house. Also, this fall, after our second coop is built, I have a bunch of Madagascar spinach vines to plant on the mesh as well.

 

[Happy hen lover]

I put cinder blocks on end and in spring and fall I grow wheat fodder in them. They pick through fence ( boredom buster) and it keeps dirt in RUN! They can throw more dirt that I ever imagined.

 

[PhenixJiRa]

I put cinder blocks on end and in spring and fall I grow wheat fodder in them. They pick through fence ( boredom buster) and it keeps dirt in RUN! They can throw more dirt that I ever imagined. View attachment 3621311

I like this! I'm currently determining what to put around the new chicken run extension and we are putting hardware cloth and now I think I'll add these bricks!

 

[TaylorGlade]

I like this! I'm currently determining what to put around the new chicken run extension and we are putting hardware cloth and now I think I'll add these bricks!

We are planning to use them to make a whole raised garden in their for the chickens. Economical and cute if you get colored paint. ( just make sure it's chicken friendly)

 

[My Very First 6 Chickens]

I put cinder blocks on end and in spring and fall I grow wheat fodder in them. They pick through fence ( boredom buster) and it keeps dirt in RUN! They can throw more dirt that I ever imagined. View attachment 3621311

Thats an awesome idea. I'm sure I'd go painting the blocks to make them 'pretty' . I grow strawberries in blocks and they thrive. Its been about 3 years and i have changed the 'around the coop' design about 4 times now and finally deciding that chunky bark from trees in my woods is the best. Its helps with drainage but the best part about the bark is if my run gets too much water from heavy rain, i can toss some of the bark in the run until the water drains. I've also put fat logs within the bark to use as little surfaces for planters and such.

 

[Happy hen lover]

Thats an awesome idea. I'm sure I'd go painting the blocks to make them 'pretty' . I grow strawberries in blocks and they thrive. Its been about 3 years and i have changed the 'around the coop' design about 4 times now and finally deciding that chunky bark from trees in my woods is the best. Its helps with drainage but the best part about the bark is if my run gets too much water from heavy rain, i can toss some of the bark in the run until the water drains. I've also put fat logs within the bark to use as little surfaces for planters and such.

Lots of folks here get big chunky wood chips for their runs. I bet it helps smell too. Great idea

 

[Insnesnakos]

I put cinder blocks on end and in spring and fall I grow wheat fodder in them. They pick through fence ( boredom buster) and it keeps dirt in RUN! They can throw more dirt that I ever imagined. View attachment 3621311

What a cool idea! Makes it so the birds can't dig them up

 

[Ilovemychicks08]

I dont have much in mine and it kinda looks boring, in the winter i string up lights on the run.
So im looking for ideas!