Opinions on Coop Location Within Run

[aart]

I would advise against putting any kind of mesh/barrier under the 'floor' and bedding of the run.

 

[feathermaid]

I would advise against putting any kind of mesh/barrier under the 'floor' and bedding of the run.

Why?
I've been using this system a year now with excellent results. Did you read the link from Newland Poultry?

I've also used "no barrier" with wood chips in the past (like most people) and had those chips (not shavings) disappear in less than a year or get mixed with the dirt, still never solving the mud problem. Here in PNW we can get excessive rain and it's an issue. Not talking about using in a covered protected area, just the part exposed to the brunt of weather (where birds are likely to scratch and dig holes down to the wet ground). And not using wire mesh... it's pvc so it won't rust or cause bumblefoot.

May not work for everyone but my open yard is small (7x30ish) and I need it mud-free.

 

[Mahen100]

It might help to consider that a hen's laying cycle is influenced by day length. Some people prefer to position the coop to maximize hens exposure the rays of the rising sun. This would help the hens get a longer exposure to sunlight. If the coop is to include electric lighting, this not a consideration. (just one more thing to think about)

 

[aart]

Why?

Because...eventually they will dig down to it.
Metal can cause serious foot injuries, especially after it starts to break down.
Even plastic mesh can cause problems with feet and ingestion.
It's unnecessary work and cost, better to put anti-dig apron on outside of run.
I see no reason to separate the ground from the bedding.
JMO.

 

[feathermaid]

Because...eventually they will dig down to it.
Metal can cause serious foot injuries, especially after it starts to break down.
Even plastic mesh can cause problems with feet and ingestion.
It's unnecessary work and cost, better to put anti-dig apron on outside of run.
I see no reason to separate the ground from the bedding.
JMO.

It's not for predator protection. It's to keep chips from sinking down.
Might be initial expense, but prevents other future expense and work trying to fix a mud pit.
Never had any piece of it deteriorate or break off in past years using it elsewhere. Wire and HWC will rust and fall apart after extensive contact in wet ground.

 

[AmyJane725]

s far as gutters go, each roof surface will need one. If the roof slopes away (to the outside perimeter) of the run, you need a gutter because you don't want the runoff pooling on the ground and seeping back into your dry area

Will there be "runoff" from the hardware cloth half of the roof though? There's nothing to catch the rain/make it run. It's just gonna fall straight through.

A rain collection system would be cool, but it's a bit too ambitious for me at this point. We have spigot out by our garden that won't be very far from the coop. I can fill the water from that. A little exercise will do me good.