Need some expert advice for my chicken moat

[CelticOaksFarm]

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Yes, the underground tunnel is our backup plan. Our soil is so incredibly hard that we are hoping to avoid that, but I guess we shall see!

Don't dig under, build a wooden bridge for you to use to enter/exit the garden. The chickens an run under it to complete to loop of te moat.

 

[harriedhomemaker]

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Our only concern is the slope of any potential bridge. We'll be bringing garden equipment in and out. Unless we extend the bridge far into and out of the moat, it will end up having a rather steep slope. It will have to rise 1-2 feet over a distance of only 3 feet!

I'm sure we can make it work, one way or the other.

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

I would extend the start of the bridge on the outside so it is an easy slope.

 

[pawsplus]

Here's the best solution, IMO. I help people design Paddock Paradise systems for horses (which are tracked like this) and this is what we do.

The gates, when open, close against the "moat" or track, keeping the chickens in and making a route for people and equipment to pass through. When you're done w/ gardening, close the gates back and the chickens can make a complete circuit!

Hope that helps!

 

[harriedhomemaker]

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That's a fabulous idea!! Thanks!

 

[cbohn80]

i would suggest putting the entrance all the way to the right side of the diagram so the dead end doesnt face the coop. also i would suggest a small gate to allow the chickens into the garden on the off season. they do a great job at tilling and fertilizing.

 

[bfrancis]

Reading your blog and predator issue, you don't need to shovel down to prevent digging. Place a 18" wire apron around the perimeter. Things can't dig down because of the wire. When they back up and hit wire again they give up. Since I've installed aprons around all my runs, I've not had one successful breach of the run. have seen evidence of attempts though. Another note cover the run with netting: Even large fowl birds can fly and do when startled...as well as birds of prey coming down for aerial attacks. Other than that, I think you have a fine set up as is. Chickens are smart and will not get lost in your moat trying to find their way back to the coop....promise!

good luck with your project!

 

[7L Farm]

Here's my apron:

 

[cbohn80]

i like the apron idea, that would have saved me time and money. i lined the entire inside floor with chicken wire to keepout predators.

 

[harriedhomemaker]

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Thank you! Great info.