Need help with newly built chicken yard

[Wisch]

I am brand new to this group, but have had chickens for a few years. My obsession has peaked and at last count I now have 78 chickens, all various ages and breeds, in several pens in my backyard, not ideal to say the least. Needless to say, my Hubble finally gave in and we have expanded our back yard and added on approximately 3,000 sq feet for my multiple flocks. the expansion will be complete in a few days, so now what?? Lol I have a 12x16 storage building that I will be converting into a coop but that’s another story! Their new yard is currently mostly dirt, but I’m wanting to set Bermuda sod for them. Does anybody have any thoughts on this or other ideas?

 

[RojoMarz]

Thoughts to Bermuda sod? I'd say no to the expense. The chickens will tear it up.

 

[aart]

Their new yard is currently mostly dirt, but I’m wanting to set Bermuda sod for them.

That will not survive chicken scratching.

I have a 12x16 storage building that I will be converting into a coop but that’s another story!

How many birds will you keep in there?

Does anybody have any thoughts on this or other ideas?

Lots of them...but most important is lots of ventilation protected by large roof overhangs.
Post pics of your building, inside and out and all around.


Welcome to BYC! @Wisch
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!

 

[3KillerBs]

Welcome to BYC! That's a lot of chickens and a lot of space.

I wouldn't put down sod because it's grown with a lot of chemical fertilizers and pesticides and because some sod includes a plastic netting that could entangle birds' feet when they dig.

I'd seed with a pasture mix and rotate the birds through various pens to let some areas regrow while others are being torn up.

 

[Wisch]

I took some pics as someone suggested, please bare with me as my technology skills are somewhat lacking!!

 

[Wisch]

The old fence in the pics will be replaced with chain link panels so I can see them from the “ human area”. I included the pic of the long area between the 2 fences to show a possible shade area but that is trumpet vine. I also included an old well house that could be converted into something if we replace the metal with something else? The new fence is 7ft. I have some sheet metal left over from our roof to possibly build overhangs- shade. The building has electricit. I’ve been watching youtube videos on building roosts, nesting boxes, ventilation, and different ideas for what to put on the floor. I’m a teacher and have time to work on all of this right now, so I want to get it right! All thoughts and comments are appreciate!

 

[3KillerBs]

Ventilation, ventilation, ventilation!

This Texas coop is one of the main inspirations for my own current build: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/jens-hens-a-southern-texas-coop.75707/