Newbie...Run floor ??'s for City dwellers...

[nasr69]

Hi All,
I am new on here and posted a few weeks ago for the first time. I was wondering if I can get some suggestions on a run floor. I got my coop from TSC and I got my 6 chicks ( only wanted 4 but everywhere had a minimum). Anyway Although its advisetized to hold 8 chickens it seems too small. So I added to it. Here are the NEW specs for just the run....11 1/2 feet x 3 1/2 feet. So I think they will be much happier....( if I have a Roo I'll only have 5 can't have a too)

I am in a residential area and while they are others here with chickens the general vibe is it Must be on the down low....dont ask don't tell....that said they can not free range thats why I made the run longer. So here are some of the questions...

Should I put the run on the ground so they can scratch or on some type of platform? Concrete not a option and I like the idea of them being able to scratch.

If putting run on the ground I want to be able to clean it once a week...what should I put down? shavings, bare ground, sand?

If on some type of platform...what should I use? plywood, pavers? and what would I use for bedding?

Keeping in mind I will be cleaning it once a week. Its a small space so it will need cleaned and I want to keep odor down besides I love doing my animal chores its a great stress reliever.

Thanks!!



The above coop is what I have With the run expanded....its now 11 1/2 feet x almost 4 feet

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome! The picture doesn't give coop dimensions, but it is very small. If you can roof the run and make it predator proof, then the coop can be left open all the time, and the birds will be a lot happier. Shade is very important, so a roof helps with that, and rain, and snow if you are in a colder climate. Some mixture of shavings and plant materials works great in the coop and run. The birds can dig around, eat bugs and worms, and generally have a good time, as they are meant to be. It's good that you are expanding their space! Make sure it's dig proof, and secure from big dogs and whatever other predators you have! Bare dirt will be a smelly mess in no time. Have any drainage issues fixed first so water won't pool in there. Chickens are a lot of fun! Mary

 

[nasr69]

Hi
Thanks for the reply!!!!....the original spec of this coop was 7 feet long x almost 39 inch wide....I modified the run so now its a bit over 11 feet long x 39 inch wide. So its a lot longer. 7 feet of that will be under the roof. I an in central Florida btw. So Im looking for the best run floor type for ease of cleaning. My yard is completely fenced with 4ft chainlink but due to where I live I can't free range them...... So no to worried about stray dogs as a issue but raccoons so sure.

 

[ColoRockies]

We bought that same coop from tsc and it is way small. Since then we built our own and are using that coop to use for introducing young birds to the big birds until we feel comfortable to mix them all. They will definitely like the extended run space and we recommend a light coat of pine shaving for the run floor. It's definitely not gonna be easy to clean considering the size but should work. If you can free range them at all then that coop should be perfect