Newbie: Kids + Hens + Alternative Coop/Run

[ziliz99]

Maybe this article will prompt an idea or two

Its actually very close to what I thought but I was still going to leave the towers for kid use, not so sure anymore. We really want them to free roam but worried they might jump over the fence so our first plan was to have a run, build fence and hope by then they get used to not flying...

 

[DIYGuy24]

I have a 2+4 yr old. Chickens are pretty good at adaptation and will get used to whatever situation. They might stop laying for a little bit, but will be fine.
If you keep the coop/run clean with either wood chips, sand, etc you won't get much smell. I would be fine with having my kids play on top of the run. Being cedar the wood should remain good and strong for years to come. Maybe just inspect every spring.

 

[ziliz99]

I have a 2+4 yr old. Chickens are pretty good at adaptation and will get used to whatever situation. They might stop laying for a little bit, but will be fine.
If you keep the coop/run clean with either wood chips, sand, etc you won't get much smell. I would be fine with having my kids play on top of the run. Being cedar the wood should remain good and strong for years to come. Maybe just inspect every spring.

Gotcha, okay! I think that they will eventually stop using it altogether in the coming months but don't wanna rule out use just yet. Once they stop using it entirely I could convert it into 100% coop/run. How often do we replace the sand? I know to clean the coop weekly and deep clean every 2-3 months but I'm not sure on the run/sand, especially since its outside. Thanks in advance!

 

[DIYGuy24]

If your kids are anything like mine, they won't play with a toy for months and then it's their favorite thing in the world.

As far as the sand, you treat it like kitty litter- scoop out the poop. I don't use sand so maybe someone else can suggest how long before needing to add more. I use wood chips and the deep litter method- just chuck more on when it starts to smell. Then I mix it up every week or 2. I only swap out the bedding every 3-6 months into my compost pile. Timing for you will be determined by the number of chickens and the amount of space they have.

 

[ziliz99]

Gotcha, most I've read use sand but would rather not if can be avoided. I'll look into the deep litter method.