Run Floor

[Speedycat711]

So I’m going to be getting 3 chickens this Spring and have started designing the run. I was thinking maybe make the floor of the run dirt, but say 2 inches below the dirt have concrete, so that the run is safe, but comfortable. Is this a good idea or should I discard any plans of using concrete?

 

[Sefirothe]

So I’m going to be getting 3 chickens this Spring and have started designing the run. I was thinking maybe make the floor of the run dirt, but say 2 inches below the dirt have concrete, so that the run is safe, but comfortable. Is this a good idea or should I discard any plans of using concrete?

Chickens happily will dig down 6 inches or more to create dust baths.

 

[Speedycat711]

Oh wow should I still try the concrete below?

 

[Sefirothe]

I personally wouldnt. I did a hardware cloth apron horizontally around the outside perimeter of the run.

 

[Speedycat711]

Ok, is that something you would advise me to do?

 

[StinkyAcres]

I also wouldn't put in a floor of any kind, but if you can do a deep concrete apron/foundation that would be ideal. What is your area's frost line?

I also would advise against using only dirt in the run and instead add something like coarse wood chips on top of the dirt to help the poop compost into the ground and keep the run and the chickens' feet cleaner.

 

[Nonafel]

Wood chips/shavings for a deep litter/bedding would be an ideal, low maintenece floor.

 

[Speedycat711]

I also wouldn't put in a floor of any kind, but if you can do a deep concrete apron/foundation that would be ideal. What is your area's frost line?

I also would advise against using only dirt in the run and instead add something like coarse wood chips on top of the dirt to help the poop compost into the ground and keep the run and the chickens' feet cleaner.

My frost line is 12 inches, how deep should the netting/concrete skirt go?

 

[StinkyAcres]

My frost line is 12 inches, how deep should the netting/concrete skirt go?

18"-24" is what I would go with for concrete. The deeper the more secure it will be. Hardware cloth can be placed on top of the ground about 2 feet out or buried, but it will rust and deteriorate pretty quickly in damp soil, even the galvanized stuff.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I agree an apron is better if you're looking for predator protection: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/new-coop-project.1169916/page-2#post-18481100.

As far as run litter, it depends on your climate and what's available for you to source. I do deep litter with a base of chunky wood chips and other organic materials mixed in: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/prepping-deep-litter-for-fall.1599199/. I'm in a rainy climate (but have excellent drainage at the location) so this helps keep mud issues at bay while generating compost for the garden as well.