Planning the coop and run but we have questions

[rosemarythyme]

Maybe I can divide the area in half and rotate them around to keep from constant scratching. Of course, I may just be dreaming a wishful dream.

Mmm, I wouldn't say it's a daydream but I have my run divided and it still didn't save the grassier half from becoming barren. I do see signs that the grass is trying to grow back, so I've been limiting the time the chickens get to spend there to give it a chance, but I doubt it'll ever be anything like it used to be.

Since that wasn't enough destruction I'm also doing something similar to a chicken tractor (a small moveable pen) that should give the chickens more access to fresh grass when the weather is nice. I'm hoping that by moving the pen around the grass in that section that it won't get completely decimated but the chickens will still be able to enjoy some time on it.

 

[ScottandSam]

Well, it may end up being a 6' fence then because I don't want to take a chance on letting the dogs out only to find out there's a chicken on the wrong side of the fence.

So, basically all the grass will be dead? A huge mud pit is the last thing I want when it rains.

Train your dogs. I have 3 yorkies(we breed them) 6 poodles(don't ask why) 2 cats , and 2 young lgd dogs. We had to work with all these dogs for a few weeks but now our chickens free range and the dogs don't bother them. The hardest to break in was our male yorkie and we just stuck his face in a chickens a few times to let the chicken peck him and he learned quick after that.

Scott

 

[GoldGirl12222]

Yes @scottandsam We have a St.Bernard mix and a Belgain Malinois. Who just wouldn't leave our chickens alone. But now it's like the chickens aren't even there! We aren't sure how they will react to more... but we are hopeful!

 

[PapaBear4]

Nice coop! A buddy of mine built one of those recently and it's worked well for him.

Quote:
Yes, they’ll fly right over a 4ft fence if they want to. Even a 6ft if they put their mind to it or are being chased. I agree that training your dogs that chickens aren’t food is the best long term solution. It looks pretty open where you are so hawks may be a concern as well. It might be worth your time to put bird netting over the run to keep the hens in and other birds out.

Quote: A closable box is a fine solution. Probably only need it for the feed, water does fine in the rain. Another idea to consider is to “roof” a small section that will protect the feeder from the rain and provide your hens with a shady spot in the summer.

Quote: I’d give 6 hens about 2 to 3 weeks to completely denude a 16x16 run. Chickens just love to scratch and peck at everything and most green stuff can only take that for so long. That being said, you’re not doomed to constant mud in your run. You can put down straw, wood chips, wood shavings, sand, or any number of other things that will help with drainage.


Good luck to you!

 

[woodenfarm]

How did your coop turn out? My father in law and I are starting the same coop this week

 

[Mels95yj]

Thanks for all the help and suggestions. We're still in the planning stages though, so nothing has been set in stone yet. We're hoping we'll be ready sometime in the summer.

 

[woodenfarm]

Thanks for all the help and suggestions.  We're still in the planning stages though, so nothing has been set in stone yet.  We're hoping we'll be ready sometime in the summer.

We started our last night and got some of it done.
We so far added more support then it gives for the flooring and we are going to the nesting boxes across one of the long sides to give our 10 chickens more nesting boxes

Ignore the mess still unicking stuff from our move.
Will keep you posted on how it goes if you would like?

 

[Mels95yj]

Looking good. Yeah, I'd like to see how it turns out.

 

[patsebat]

You must also remember about flying predators...hawks especially. Having hardware cloth across the top, or roofing, will keep chickens safer, cooler, dryer.

 

[woodenfarm]

Almost there Mels95yj we did change a few things. Added more support across before putting the flooring down, added more rafters so the plywood for the medal roofing would not cave in, and did not put the nesting boxes on the back we did it on the whole side giving the ladies individual nesting boxes and got six boxes, also added a perching bar on both ends.
Just a little more siding on the side tops and one more coat and paint with trim to go.