Need Ideas On Turning This Into A Coop Please

[healtyfeathers]

If you are planning on doing deep bedding in the run, then I would suggest a layer of sand and soil over the run before you put down rice hulls. If you are just planning on mucking out the rice hulls every few days, then I wouldn't bother with sand.

 

[thailand]

Well, I guess it is probably better to do deep bedding litter in the run too, so thanks, I'll put down some sand and dirt before the rice hulls. Soil first on the concrete or sand first?

 

[healtyfeathers]

I am not sure. I read an article once (can't find it now) about a lady who over-wintered her chickens in her garage. She put a thick layer of soil on the cement, followed with a thick layer of leafs. According to the article, her garage never smelled like a coop. I'd probably make it easier if you put a border around the bottom of the run (cheap cinderblock would work). Otherwise, the hens will kick all the soil and rice hulls out within a couple of days.

 

[chiques chicks]

I might consider and down first and only using sand as a base to aid in drainage. Being in Thailand, I'm guessing you get a lot of rain, so drainage will be important. You don't want puddles of poopy water, the smell would be unbearable!

 

[thailand]

Ordinarily we would be having lots of rain about now....but we're currently in drought conditions. But I'll put sand down first.

 

[thailand]

Holly, do you have a deep litter system in your chicken run?

Got your email and will reply soon Would love to see photos of your new keets

 

[healtyfeathers]

We do use deep litter in our chicken run. It is uncovered. We have a covered dust bath for them, egg boxes, and a three-sided coop. It is really just an experiment because most sources will tell you that you can't do deep bedding if it isn't covered so that you can control the moisture level. So since it's an experiment for me, I wouldn't recommend it yet! So far, the bedding is so deep that when we get heavy rain, we don't get any run-off. The organic matter absorbs all the rain. The bedding will be soggy for a few days, but they quickly turn it over and dry it out. Anywhere we dig out there, there are TONS of worms. My Thai mama hen spends ALL DAY digging up worms for her babies. The babies are super healthy and hardly eat any corn and rice. Sometimes they don't even come when I throw it down, they're too busy with worms! We take large amounts of the bedding out on an almost weekly basis, and replace it wish fresh rice hulls. The "used up" rice hulls are mixed into our garden beds and used for mulch. So far it seems like a win win situation. . . . . But we haven't been through the really rainy season yet so we shall see how that works out. So far though, so good. All of the birds out there are extremely healthy and vigorous.

I'll send you pictures of the Keets shortly!

 

[Star2014]

Maybe instead of tearing a wall down make a doggie door sized space that you could open and close if nessacery.

 

[thailand]

Star, you're idea is sheer brilliance!!! Thank you! I think that's what I'll do, at least in the short term. I can separate my Brahmas and RIR into the two outside sections, and maybe put a couple of guinea fowl in the middle section (with a large dog size door in one adjoining wall, which can be closed as necessary). Perhaps this will give me some time to see how well the guineas get along with the chickens (particularly my roosters) and if all goes well I might then take down the adjoining wall more fully.

 

[Star2014]

My experience with guineas and chickens is a, "This is my side that is yours." but you never know. Good luck!