Run attached to converted shed...

[Bodhisan]

I'm going to be turning this old shed into a coop. Possibly two or three chickens. Along with making sure I have a window and ventilation, I would like some advice on what an attached fenced run should look like and how to maintain it. My wife doesn't want the chickens running around and pooping in the back yard, hence the need for a run. I guess my questions are: (1) Should I keep the area grass? If so, will their poop compost into the grass, or will that need to be cleaned out? I could make the run fairly long - even 20 feet or so. (2) Should the run be enclosed from the top, as well, or just a side fencing? (3) I've been told that to keep predators out, I should dig down so many inches along the perimeter of the fence and put a barrier. What would be the best barrier?

 

[3KillerBs]

The more space you can give them in the run the better. They'll probably destroy the grass eventually, at which point you can put down litter such as wood chips, shavings, straw, pine straw, etc.

I had a 4-foot tall run for my in-town chickens -- because lumber and hardware cloth are pricey -- but it was incredibly uncomfortable to get in there and clean. I suggest a walk-in height run, protected with hardware cloth all around because of possible aerial predators and climbing predators.

The chickens would absolutely LOVE to be allowed into that area under the trees so they can dig through the old pine needles and unearth yummy bugs.

 

[rosemarythyme]

1) Leave the grass in. They'll enjoy it before they eventually kill it, at which time you should start adding litter of your choice to catch poop and keep mud down.

2) For predator safety, the run should be fully enclosed. That said... it's an individual decision. I had my run open on top for a couple of years until a hawk half ate one of my hens, so we netted over the top. A solid roof would be best against predators and would provide weather protection, however would be an extra cost. I REALLY suggest that walls be walk in height regardless if you're planning on covering it now, because if you end up deciding to cover it, it's a pain working around short walls.

3) You can dig down or down-and-out in an angle to install an anti dig barrier, or the easier option is an apron, such as this: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/new-coop-project.1169916/page-2#post-18481100

 

[Bodhisan]

Thank you for the advice. I definitely agree with walls being tall enough to walk inside standing upright. If I make the run ten feet or so, a solid roof wouldn't be too expensive. I think as long as I'm with them, my wife wouldn't mind if I let them out into the area under the pines.

 

[3KillerBs]

Thank you for the advice. I definitely agree with walls being tall enough to walk inside standing upright. If I make the run ten feet or so, a solid roof wouldn't be too expensive. I think as long as I'm with them, my wife wouldn't mind if I let them out into the area under the pines.

You could have two levels of confinement -- a fully enclosed and predator secure run and then some light fence to keep them in the pines area that you don't count on to keep predators out, just chickens in.

 

[Bodhisan]

Great suggestion!