New chicken run!

[Naturegirl44]

I like your set up. I'm new to chicken keeping too. Got 4 hens April 7th. We are building a coop. I wish we had started sooner. Getting down to the wire due to their growth. But it's almost completed. They, and I will be much happier on move in day. The enclosure is on concrete and I've chose sand as bedding in the run to save their feet and help with drainage. I decided this based on what of read here on BYC. They will have a house to nest in. We have to complete the ladder. My husband built a strong coop. I helped where ever he needed me to as this is really my project. I'd like to post a pic but haven't been able to using my phone. My peeps will be pampered in their 2 story coop.

welcome Chynasparks!! I am excited for you!! we have had so much fun with our new chickens plus 1 guinea its been a slow go for us as well getting the coop and all set up to a point that we are satisfied with it. We still have some work to do yet but now they have plenty of room when we leave them in the run, which isn't much because we free range most of the time. None of our runs are covered but they can go under the coop, its about 1 ft off the ground and when they are out and about, they usually rest and hang out under the deck if its wet out.

We have pine chips in the coop and just the ground in the runs. Its so covered with tree's that the ground is inchs of leaves and soft compost because its in a forest setting, or on the edge of it. I am sure with their dust bathing and scratching that won't last long lol In the winter we will put straw down in the run.

We have only had them since May and we are still learning as we go.

Please post some pic's!! Myself and i am sure others here at BYC would love to see them!!!

 

[Naturegirl44]

Awesome run Rockyjohn!! One day when we build our dream home (2-4 years) we will abandon the playhouse and build a proper cottage for our ladies with a proper run!! great pic!!

 

[chynasparks]

The only Internet access I have is on my phone. I don't seem to be able to post pictures. Wish I could. The enclosure has 2 levels. Lower level is the run. Top is the roost nest house. Extended run will be attached at a later date. Using sand over concrete mostly because we had a slab already in the yard. We can move the structure quite simply with 3 PVC pipes and a dolly. I can get them off the slab for the weekend. It has a solid roof. Doors to the Roost for egg collecting and cleaning. The roost will be built like a caddy. I can take it out to dump dirty litter and just put it back. It will be solid (not wobbly). I hope the peeps move in by this weekend. I'm so ready to get them out of their small cramped quarters. My husband put so much into his carpentry work. Measuring things twice, fussy cutting everything. Even easments and spacer boards on the roof. We painted it same as house, serious grey. Hubby wanted to be able to use left over paint on the house. It's dark I wish we used white. But I went with his wishes. Not a problem and it does blend in.