question on chicken run

[junior67]

ok this is going to be a dumb question I am sure. But I am guessing it doesn't matter if a chicken run is level or not? I am posting pictures of the area the chicken run will be. I think from big tree to where the shed is. The shed is being taken down as it is rotting and the coop will be in around the same spot but probably back further. That ground isn't level at all. I would love to just go around the tree and have it go closer to the fence but there are so many roots there that I wouldn't be able to bury the hardware cloth or make a skirt. Should we just go as far down as we can till we hit the roots and just not bury any where the roots are or stop before we get there for the run? stopping at the tree the run can be around 8x15 or can make it wider and just come into the run so do like 10x15. hope all of that made sense. The skinny trees are going to be cut down.

 

[3KillerBs]

Your chicken run needn't be level. In fact, a slope from one side to the other is good because it will provide the drainage needed to prevent it from getting muddy. Then, as soon as the chickens get into it, they'll start digging holes.

You'll probably want to keep your run fence far enough from that fence to make it possible to walk all the way around easily in case you need to do maintenance and/or capture an escaped chicken. A skirt doesn't have to be buried, just pinned down out of the way of the lawnmower. Wire is flexible enough that you should be able to lay an anti-dig skirt over any but the largest, most protruding roots. Maybe you could show us close-up photos of the worst ones you'd have to cope with?

 

[junior67]

Your chicken run needn't be level. In fact, a slope from one side to the other is good because it will provide the drainage needed to prevent it from getting muddy. Then, as soon as the chickens get into it, they'll start digging holes.

You'll probably want to keep your run fence far enough from that fence to make it possible to walk all the way around easily in case you need to do maintenance and/or capture an escaped chicken. A skirt doesn't have to be buried, just pinned down out of the way of the lawnmower. Wire is flexible enough that you should be able to lay an anti-dig skirt over any but the largest, most protruding roots. Maybe you could show us close-up photos of the worst ones you'd have to cope with?

Thanks. that section of yard is a bit hilly since it is where we used to dump leaves so lots of composting leaves there. so a few spots are lower, some higher etc.. I will have to really look but don't think many of the roots are above ground so it might work. I thought I read to put it 12" down in the ground so knew I couldn't do that, if I just have to go out then it might work. Oh and right now there is about 15' from that tree to the fence so that is what I meant by put it closer to the fence since there is still a ton of room to do it with room to walk around. it will be about 8-10 ft off the fence that is behind the coop and run so we can get behind there as well. I will try to get some pictures of the roots tomorrow. Still working on cleaning out the leaves that are there (will probably put some back but want to make sure nothing else is mixed in that won't be good for the chickens since that has been an unused section of yard so may have broken plastic (from my dog etc.)

 

[Sally PB]

unused section of yard so may have broken plastic

That's a good idea! You're thinking ahead.

 

[3KillerBs]

it is where we used to dump leaves so lots of composting leaves there.

That is SPLENDID chicken territory there.

Some people dig down 12" vertically for their anti-dig skirting. Others just lay it out flat on the ground, pin it down firmly, and either cover it with organic mulch or let grass grow through it.

 

[junior67]

That is SPLENDID chicken territory there.

Some people dig down 12" vertically for their anti-dig skirting. Others just lay it out flat on the ground, pin it down firmly, and either cover it with organic mulch or let grass grow through it.

great. Thanks. I know if we go around the tree we can't dig down but should be able to put it around it somehow and pin it down firmly. Will have to cover it with something since no grass grows there. Some little shrubs or weeds do here and there but not read grass to cover it over.

I figured the chickens would like it and it doesn't flood or really get muddy so figured a perfect spot. The only thing I am sad about is it will be hard to see them from my kitchen window unless they are in the back part of the run. My daughters window will see them perfect though. LOL

I could face it the other way with the coop further from the house and run coming forward to the house but then electric would be hard since it is further away...... still not sure since guess I mainly would need electric for the run if we decide to do one of the tank heaters to keep water from freezing. I can find non electric lighting if I needed light out there for something if I have to go out. hmmmmm guess measure it all out and see but don't think the coop will fit between the trees.

 

[junior67]

That's a good idea! You're thinking ahead.

Thanks. I am trying to have all my chicks in a row and think of everything before I get them. Of course by the time we get to building the coop I may already have them but guess that will push my husband to get building. haahaa!

 

[21hens-incharge]

Just tossing this out there....chickens LOVE to dig through leaves. I would just move them from the spot you are building the coop.

 

[junior67]

Just tossing this out there....chickens LOVE to dig through leaves. I would just move them from the spot you are building the coop.

I will be putting leaves back for them to dig through but where it has been an unused part of the yard I want to be sure there isn't anything harmful mixed in the leaves, like pieces of plastic since my dog has broken flower pots before, or any metal pieces that got mixed in when dumping other leaves etc. so once we go through it I will put some back. We were lazy this fall and didn't rake the back fully so I have LOTS and lots of leaves that I can move back into the run. Just need to go through them to be sure they are safe.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I agree that the apron can just be placed over any roots, even surface ones. Not ideal but I pinned down best I could between roots and it stays down just fine.