Opinions/Experience over using concrete vs ground for the run

[humblehillsfarm]

We are making plans to make a covered run and coop. I like the idea of concrete but it is a lot more permanent, expensive, and time consuming. On the other hand, it's more secure and burying a fence isn't easy either. Coop builders: what have you done, did you like it, and would you change anything?

 

[DobieLover]

We are making plans to make a covered run and coop. I like the idea of concrete but it is a lot more permanent, expensive, and time consuming. On the other hand, it's more secure and burying a fence isn't easy either. Coop builders: what have you done, did you like it, and would you change anything?

I went with ground. Much more natural for the birds. I've never have to clean my run. Just add more wood chips.

 

[humblehillsfarm]

I went with ground. Much more natural for the birds. I've never had to clean my room. Just add more wood chips.
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I like the idea of natural as well. I think that’s more of the direction I am leaning and I also consider resale value even though I don’t intend on moving anytime within the next several decades but you never know. Your run really looks like a lovely place for your birds.

 

[Matzwd]

I've never had to clean my room. Just add more wood chips.

Wow! In glad I don't share a room with you, lol.

 

[DorothyW]

We went with ground. But, we dug down about 6 inches and put hardware cloth in to keep animals from digging under the fence. Some pesky critters will do anything to get to our chickens!

 

[humblehillsfarm]

We went with ground. But, we dug down about 6 inches and put hardware cloth in to keep animals from digging under the fence. Some pesky critters will do anything to get to our chickens!

If we do ground, and that’s what I’m leaning toward, I was aiming for at least six inches. I have a lot of predator problems. Take no chances!