New Run: Hardware Cloth Perimeter or Floor?

[Fishkeeper]

You should look up the deep litter method. It practically never gets muddy, it handles the poo so you don't need to clean it frequently, and it produces compost for your garden.

 

[BurbChickensMA]

I noticed your run is raised on some blocks. Do you plan to keep it like that?

Yes. The reason is the ground is not level so we wanted to level the run. Since then we have put 2’ of 1/4 in hardware cloth all around the outside nailed to the coop edge. And a skirt of the same inside 6” to prevent digging

 

[Acre4Me]

Yes. The reason is the ground is not level so we wanted to level the run. Since then we have put 2’ of 1/4 in hardware cloth all around the outside nailed to the coop edge. And a skirt of the same inside 6” to prevent digging

Good idea to level the run - it looks attractive too. Also, within the run, where you added the 6" of HWC to prevent digging, you could put inexpensive pavers down on top of the HWC to prevent out from being lifted up by their scratching. We converted a dog run (10' x 50') which was entirely covered in pavers (with sand underneath), and removed all but the perimeter pavers to prevent the chickens from scratching out an escape route (or entry route for predators. We still have to add HWC, but it is a work in progress, at least the chickens cannot escape very easily during the day (although they can fly over the short side right now, but they don't like being away from their flock, so they just hang out on the other side looking for a way back over the fence LOL.).

 

[BurbChickensMA]

Welcome to BYC! That's a really nice run!
Use hardware cloth on the outside not the inside. Inside would be hard on their toes when they scratch.

And they love to scratch Deep Litter in the run, so no pea gravel.

This what we did. 2’ perimeter all around and left the run dirt.

Good idea to level the run - it looks attractive too. Also, within the run, where you added the 6" of HWC to prevent digging, you could put inexpensive pavers down on top of the HWC to prevent out from being lifted up by their scratching. We converted a dog run (10' x 50') which was entirely covered in pavers (with sand underneath), and removed all but the perimeter pavers to prevent the chickens from scratching out an escape route (or entry route for predators. We still have to add HWC, but it is a work in progress, at least the chickens cannot escape very easily during the day (although they can fly over the short side right now, but they don't like being away from their flock, so they just hang out on the other side looking for a way back over the fence LOL.).

good idea. I have some pavers on hand and will see if they start fiddling with the apron. My coop is enclosed with cloth including the eaves so no one can fly out. Or hopefully get in.

 

[aart]

And a skirt of the same inside 6” to prevent digging

Good idea.
I did this in some areas and had to add pavers where the mesh wouldn't stay down.

. I have some pavers on hand and will see if they start fiddling with the apron

 

[Acre4Me]

This what we did. 2’ perimeter all around and left the run dirt.

good idea. I have some pavers on hand and will see if they start fiddling with the apron. My coop is enclosed with cloth including the eaves so no one can fly out. Or hopefully get in.

This is our plan too - to have the run enclosed with a roof (corrugated clear type). We built the coop and covered the eaves with HWC, but small birds are thinking this is a great place to be and to build nests. One flew into the coop yesterday, then couldn't figure out how to get out, so we guided it out. Anyway, one step at a time...the coop is elevated a few feet off the ground, so our next step is, well, steps! We need to get into the coop more easily than hoisting ourselves in. Here it is - it has a door and interior roost bars too.

 

[BurbChickensMA]

I don’t think even a small bird could wiggle in. But they are amazing creatures so we will see