Outside covered run bedding.

[hanneke]

the run of my coop has a 1/4 inch hardware cloth bottom for safety.
However I’m not sure how to cover it so the chickens won’t hurt themselves scratching.
The run is covered and I’m in Eastern Washington with a dry climate. Cold in winter, hot in summer.

I’ve done a search but did not find a comment for a similar situation.

TIA

 

[DobieLover]

An apron is equally safe but without the issue of chickens digging down to it and injuring their feet. Also, 1/4" isn't that strong.
Have you considered removing it and attaching a strong apron instead? That way the chickens can do whatever they will in the run in the way of digging.

 

[hanneke]

The ground underneath is very rocky. You cannot dig into it. If that’s what you mean

 

[Egghead_Jr]

Throw a sandy soil in it. Pure sand would cost you but borrowing a pickup and grabbing some clean sandy fill soil wouldn't be an issue.

Did you dig down some or is the run level with the ground around it? You may want to add some sort of barrier around the bottom of run to hold in your "bedding". It will get tossed out with digging pretty quick otherwise.

 

[DobieLover]

The ground underneath is very rocky. You cannot dig into it. If that’s what you mean

No. That is not what I mean. You lay an apron across the top of the ground after firmly attaching it to the run/coop then pin the opposite side with HD landscape staples. Then you can rake a little soil over the surface to just hide the cloth and plant grass and you won't even see the apron.

 

[triciayoung]

I agree with @DobieLover, pull up the hardware cloth - it is expensive and better used as an apron around the border for predator protection.

 

[hanneke]

No. That is not what I mean. You lay an apron across the top of the ground after firmly attaching it to the run/coop then pin the opposite side with HD landscape staples. Then you can rake a little soil over the surface to just hide the cloth and plant grass and you won't even see the apron.

View attachment 3401833​

Thank you. This is a great idea. Hopefully it stays put on the rocky soil. For sure nothing will grow there but that’s not that big of a deal. I can throw more rock over it.

 

[Percheron chick]

Hard rocky ground is a predator barrier as well.

 

[hanneke]

Hard rocky ground is a predator barrier as well.

It’s uneven though. So I’m worried about rattle snakes.

 

[KyCoop]

I also have rocks and only was able to "bury" the apron about 3 inches. Top it with soil and grass and it will weld to the ground and you will never see it again.