Making the coop safe

[XanderWiFi]

Did you say that the run was covered above? If not, some aviary netting from Amazon does a great job. Inexpensive but a little messy to set up all bunched up.

 

[Folly's place]

Your birds will destroy that sod in no time! Just be ready, and add deep bedding, as in shavings and other plant material, deep enough that the birds don't reach the hardware cloth. At least eight to twelve inches deep.
Mary

 

[KimH1205]

This is under the whole coop and run?!
Sorry you did all that work.
Aprons are easier, cheaper, and less risk to feet of chickens once the dig thru the sod.
Good examples of anti-dig apron installation:
http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1110498/wire-around-coop#post_17093528
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/new-coop-project.1169916/page-2#post-18481208

Thanks for the input. I will keep an eye on the sod and replace as needed. Meanwhile I am going to add those aprons when the coop arrives.

 

[aart]

I will keep an eye on the sod and replace as needed

Is sod from a commercial place that lays down lawns?
Beware of the many chemicals that is added to most sod...fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides.

 

[KimH1205]

Is sod from a commercial place that lays down lawns?
Beware of the many chemicals that is added to most sod...fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides.

From home depot.

 

[Wee Farmer Sarah]

Indeed!
Do you have an apron too?

No, I didn't put down an apron. Since I put the HC on top, sides and floor with corrugated metal roofing I didn't think it was necessary. Also, I have a healthy colony of chipmunks and at least one ground hog tunneling through my yard, that's why I covered the bottom of the run.

 

[Wee Farmer Sarah]

From home depot.

There are likely chemicals in that. Plain old dirt works fine. The grass in the sod will be gone in a couple of days anyway. Dirt and pine shavings or dry leaves. Your chickens will turn that into compost. And if you properly secure the hardware cloth with landscape pins, the wire won't hurt their feet. Mine are always kicking the dirt and digging holes and making piles, their feet are just fine.

 

[aart]

No, I didn't put down an apron. Since I put the HC on top, sides and floor with corrugated metal roofing I didn't think it was necessary. Also, I have a healthy colony of chipmunks and at least one ground hog tunneling through my yard, that's why I covered the bottom of the run.

Ah, hindsight!.....a buried apron might have been a better choice with the critters you have. I hope the ground hog stays away from your run, they are so destructive!
Had a nightmare about rodents running around under HC, thanks

 

[KimH1205]

Did you say that the run was covered above? If not, some aviary netting from Amazon does a great job. Inexpensive but a little messy to set up all bunched up.

The whole thing is under roof

 

[rosemarythyme]

There are likely chemicals in that. Plain old dirt works fine. The grass in the sod will be gone in a couple of days anyway.

I agree... sod is both a waste of money as the chickens will destroy it, and potentially harmful as sod's traditionally grown using a lot of additives.