Need advise/recommendations, please.

[TwoCrows]

Hello and welcome to BYC!

You have received some great advice above, so I will just welcome you to our community!

 

[N F C]

Best wishes establishing a flock!

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC.

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.

Hot wire around the exterior of the pen may be needed.

 

[triciayoung]

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.

Welcome. I agree with @DobieLover. I would only add that if you can do something with the top to shunt water away from the coop, I would do so. I also like @Kiki idea about peat moss.

 

[triciayoung]

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.

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.

Welcome. Plan for only 3-chickens. Get one of those coops that have the run that is elevated as well. I believe you can get an elevated secure run that is as big as 10x12.