My Run is DONE! What now?!

[PonSquared]

After 12 months and countless hours, our chicken run is basically done!!! My wife and I built the run with our own two hands and no powered machinery outside of a drill/power screwdriver and a circular saw. We am exhausted and immensely proud of our hard work and follow-through. We actually did it! Unbelievable!

Before building the run we had no idea how to frame a building, install a roof, or even what would be required in chicken raising. We spent a lot of time on BYC and other sites to help us design and plan the run. We met many challenges but each time we found a walk-around and never gave up.












Features

- total inside area of 16 x 12

- 6'2" from ground to rafters. 7'+ from ground to highest point on inside of roof.

- pressure treated wood frame w/ posts rated for ground contact (posts also coated with weather stain

- corrugated metal roof installed with 4" roofing screws and a 1.5 wave overlap

- 4x2 heavy guage galvanized fencing from top of roof to one foot deep.

-1/2" galvanized hardware cloth at bottom 3 feet

- bank run substrate (sand/rocks/some soil) for drainage and tougher time digging through

- fencing installed with 2" galvanized fencing nails

- double galvanized slide locks on door with weather resistant keyed master locks



What I would like to know from the many experts on this site is: What do I need to do for/in the run next? While I do not yet have a coop; I will be building one (outside/inside the run?) later this summer. I am trying to make the run as awesome/safe/comfortable as can be for myself and my birds. Any advice on next steps would be appreciated and seriously considered!

Thank you!!

 

[Mountain Peeps]

WELCOME TO BYC!!!
Oh! It looks great! Now on to the fun stuff, right?!

To make it fun for the chickens consider the following

*Stumps
*Sand
*Bushes
*A dirt bathing area (probably one of the most important features.)
*Ladders
*Hang perches
*Roosts
*Mirrors

One of my chickens favorite things is an old wheelbarrow filled with dirt.

Here's some links to check out also.
http://www.fresh-eggs-daily.com/2012/04/chicken-run-landscaping.html
http://www.fresh-eggs-daily.com/2014/06/build-better-dust-bath-for-your-chickens.html

 

[thomasboyle]

What next? You need to get more chickens!!!

The pics only show a few, and with a big run like that, you need more chickens!

Looks very nice, job well done!

 

[iwiw60]

Quote: First off, let me say....JOB WELL DONE!! It is beautiful! As for where to place your coop, that is a matter of preference. While your run area is large if you put the coop inside the run you'll have to plan your "chicken math" accordingly. If it were me? I'd build the coop on the other side of the wood-stack side and attach it to the run. That way you'll have happy birds and not have to worry about space requirements...just thinkin' ... best of luck and keep us updated!

 

[PonSquared]

I really would like to put the coop behind the run, but I don't think I can get it done before winter. This year I think I will have to make a "box type" coop inside the run. Something quick and cheap that will get them through the winter. Next year I can build a walk in coop.

I added some cut logs for them to climb on. Also, I have a big pile of mixed ash/soil so I filled up their sunbathing ditch (they made in the run) with it. I have some roses that have been beaten back hard by the dear that I will transplant into the front of the run as well. I was considering the butterfly bush but then I found out they are evil and will not be adding one to the inside of the run.