Multi level run?

[wleigh1021]

That's a good point that it would have to be cleaned. Since a permanent structure would be floating it shouldn't be an issue with snow or bedding removal though. I'm thinking that the run would be 6x8 or 8x8 if we can easily remove the brush that is in the way. Ladder style roosts on a hook an eye system would make them sturdy and easy to move. We could probably add a chain and hook on the bottom so you can just hang them from the roof to clean the ground. The roof will be solid but snow still gets in when the wind blows unless we put something around the bottom. Probably won't due to budgeting concerns.

 

[wleigh1021]

@aart I like the mulch, do you find that works well for keeping the run cleaner? do you need to buy natural mulch with no dyes and such?

 

[aart]

The roof will be solid but snow still gets in when the wind blows unless we put something around the bottom.

covering the run walls with clear plastic, up to about ~6" from roof, can block most the winds and snow.

@aart I like the mulch, do you find that works well for keeping the run cleaner? do you need to buy natural mulch with no dyes and such?

My runs have semi-deep litter, never clean anything out, just add smaller dry materials on occasion, add larger wood chippings as needed.
Aged ramial wood chippings are best IMO.

 

[rosemarythyme]

do you need to buy natural mulch with no dyes and such?

If bagged undyed mulch or nuggets are all you can find in your area, they should still work like chips would, just not as much variance on size of pieces.

I'm too cheap to buy plus I'm surrounded by trees, so my chips are from having tree work done. Some tree companies will do drop offs from other jobs for a small fee, or if you check with your town, in some towns there's free mulch available for pickup.

 

[trumpeting_angel]

There's also getchipdrop.com - an outfit that pairs up gardeners/chicken owners with arborists who need to dump their wood chips. Read carefully before you sign up, but it's great to get free chips and take them from arborists who don't want to truck them all over creation to get rid of them.

 

[aart]

There's also getchipdrop.com - an outfit that pairs up gardeners/chicken owners with arborists who need to dump their wood chips. Read carefully before you sign up, but it's great to get free chips and take them from arborists who don't want to truck them all over creation to get rid of them.

Absolutely!