Need advise/recommendations, please.

[Shelbys]

Over 20 years ago we built a beautiful chicken shed. I loved my chickens dearly. Many years later I moved and I’m now on a smaller lot. Like many, things are tough prices have risen, and I can’t afford to build a beautiful coop and don’t live where i used to live. so to get to the point I’m thinking about a resin shed 4’7”w x 3’D x 5’2”h. I want to make a hoop run 3’W x 4’H. Not sure of length yet. The area where I need to put it has a thick layer of small rocks I guess like Riverstone. I’ve read about Bumblefoot and I’m concerned for the chickens when I get them. Physically, I can’t remove them there’s too many, so I was wondering if I could put hardware cloth down on top and what do you recommend, 1/4” or 1/2”. I would line the bottom of the run with that as well as coming up about 12 inches on the sides all around, then encasing the rest of the hoop with wire fencing. What can I put on top of the bottom wire to protect their little feet? Is there outdoor inexpensive runners made of rubber? Thank you very much.

 

[Nomadicus]

Hello and Welcome to BYC and Glad to have You here in this Poultry Loving Community. I don't know about the rubber runners but can you use sand on top of the stones in the run? How many hens do you expect to house in the small shed? Sounds like by my math that is room for about 4 unless you have a cover run for more space 6 may be doable if they only use it for bad weather and roosting. If they are cramped they are stressed.

 

[Kiki]

Welcome back to chickens.
Dirt...I like peat moss.
Put a deep layer of dirt over the 1/2" hardware cloth. You are going to want EVERYTHING covered with 1/2" hardware cloth to keep predators out. Only covering the bottom foot isn't going to keep predators out.

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
I would not put hardware cloth over the stones.
I would rake out as much as possible then cover the area with wood chips. Run the 1/2" hardware cloth over the entire hoop and out 1.5-2' over the ground for a predator apron all the way around. Then install something to shade the top and shed water.
Good luck with your flock.

 

[janiedoe]

Welcome to BYC. I agree that 4 hens would be the limits for a coop that size. Have you thought about how you'll add ventilation to a resin coop? I know it can be done, but I'm not sure how complicated it will be.

 

[Shelbys]

Welcome back to chickens.
Dirt...I like peat moss.
Put a deep layer of dirt over the 1/2" hardware cloth. You are going to want EVERYTHING covered with 1/2" hardware cloth to keep predators out. Only covering the bottom foot isn't going to keep predators out.

I am making a hoop run attached to the shed. The whole thing will be encased in wire. I rent and that’s why I was thinking about some type of rubber cover over the rocks to protect their feet

 

[Shelbys]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
I would not put hardware cloth over the stones.
I would rake out as much as possible then cover the area with wood chips. Run the 1/2" hardware cloth over the entire hoop and out 1.5-2' over the ground for a predator apron all the way around. Then install something to shade the top and shed water.
Good luck with your flock.

I rent and can’t remove the rocks and that’s the only place where I can put them so I don’t disturb his property. I am in casing the entire run. Thank you.

 

[Shelbys]

Welcome to BYC. I agree that 4 hens would be the limits for a coop that size. Have you thought about how you'll add ventilation to a resin coop? I know it can be done, but I'm not sure how complicated it will be.

There will be 3. Yes I have Vents planned. I’ve seen how it’s done that’s what gave me the idea instead of wood. Thank you.

 

[SilverBirds]

Welcome to BYC! Thanks for joining us.

 

[Kenneth Zweerink]

Welcome to BackYard Chickens. The Best of Luck with your Plans. And a Big Hello from Eastern Nebraska!