New Coop

[Jester]

Hi,

I'm thinking of setting up a coop at the end of my garden, and I've never kept chickens before. What do chickens need to scratch around in? I've got a concrete path that runs across the back of the garden that would be an ideal space to put them, but if they need grass/straw or something else then I need to think about that for the design of my run & coop.

I'm thinking of building something similar to the chicken tractor found in the coop designs....

This site is great btw - some great info up here!!

Thanks!

 

[Davaroo]

Concrete isnt great for chickens. Provide them grass and dirt.

 

[AtRendeAcres]

will they stay in that or will they free range at any point during the day?

My coop is built on concrete (which is easy to clean & preditor proof) but, run needs to be grass which will become dirt!!!

If that is really the best place for your coop you could put a couple sheets of sod to cover the run.

 

[Davaroo]

Just let them loose in the garden, with your tender and valued plants fenced off.