putting a chicken run on a hill

[kramerhea]

Does anyone know if it is safe to put a backyard chicken run on a hill? We are thinking of building a coop for four chickens at the top of a hill, then fencing in a part of the hill. Any advice?

 

[possumqueen]

If you put the coop at the highest part of the run it'll be a pretty dry place for your chickens, which is a good thing.

Just make sure there's plenty of shelter and windbreak on the NORTH side of the coop. And if the coop faces south it'll get the warmest part of the winter day.

Don't know where you are, but if you're in a colder part of the country you'll learn a LOT from patandchickens Big Ol' Ventilation page.

PS:

 

[wombat]

Quote:
Consider drainage and exposure to wind when you plan your layout. Also, Depending on climate, summer shade is a consideration. I've got my coop under a maple tree that gives shade in the summer, but lets the winter sun through.

 

[patandchickens]

The main two things will be a) ensuring the coop has sufficient windbreak if it is atop a really exposed height of land; and b) preventing erosion in the sloped run once the grass is gone. Depending on the severity of slope, it can be helpful to terrace the run, embed rot-resistant poles crosswise at intervals down the slope, add a reasonably heavy gravel-type mix to protect the dirt, etc. Also make sure the coop has gutters with downspouts that direct roof water well AWAY from the run area.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[LynneP]

...and be sure the drainage is an approved distance from your well...zoning may require that, too! It's for your safety...

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

It really depends where you are, and how your coop is built. If I put my coop on the top of the hill, it would blow away in the first wind storm.