outdoor run

[jmason]

This spring we have to build a new outdoor run for 17 hens. I'm trying get an idea of what would work best....the last run we had, had a wood floor which rotted with all the rain we got. If we put the run with the ground as the floor, are predators more likely to get in. How many of you have put down a cement floor?? Thanks for your input

 

[waynesgarden]

Never had a concrete run, only dirt. I have had predators dig under in the past.

The current run is covered with 1/2" hardware cloth buried about 18" into the ground, actually into the layer of stone that lies a few inches below the surface. Admittedly, I went overboard in protecting my 7 hens, though I expect the value of the eggs will pay for their run about 2011.

Wayne

 

[chicken_angler]

My run had a concret floor, well it was completely covered in concrete blocks. I took out most of the middle ones and now there is a 1 foot baricade around the inside. Now no animals can get in.

 

[chicksalot]

Quote:

At least you have light at the end of the tunnel...

2011... some of us here get in even deeper!