Please help with run placement! :)

[Henrie]

Hello! We are having a new run built for more space for our chickens. The only shaded part of the yard has exposed tree roots from the trees providing the shade. Is it ok to build the run over the exposed roots? I was planning to do a hardware cloth perimeter so if it isn’t sitting flat to the ground there is still predator protection. Our other option is to put the run in henhouse more in the center of the yard, plant some trees, and use some sort of shade cloth until the trees are big enough to provide some shade. The west afternoon sun would be bearing down on them here in SW Missouri. Including pics of the roots and the run set up. Thank you for any suggestions or help!

 

[WingItRanch]

I can't think of any issues with roots in the run except the chickens will dig around them so may damage the tree over time. You could put pavers down to make sure the ground is even for your frame. It really depends on what YOU want. Where you think it will look nicer. If you'd like it in the middle of the yard with new trees planted to provide shade, make sure to protect the roots of the new trees. The chickens will most likely want to scratch around and dust bathe at the base.

 

[Airyaman]

Will the roots be inside of the run or will the perimeter cross over the roots?

 

[MichaelDJ]

The will dig all around and under them looking for bugs. Ask me how I know ....

 

[Henrie]

Will the roots be inside of the run or will the perimeter cross over the roots?

Yes, the perimeter will be crossing over the roots. Some of the roots will be outside the run with the perimeter laying over the roots, and some of the roots will be inside the run. I do plant to put down some mulch, topsoil, leaves etc. inside the run.

 

[Henrie]

I can't think of any issues with roots in the run except the chickens will dig around them so may damage the tree over time. You could put pavers down to make sure the ground is even for your frame. It really depends on what YOU want. Where you think it will look nicer. If you'd like it in the middle of the yard with new trees planted to provide shade, make sure to protect the roots of the new trees. The chickens will most likely want to scratch around and dust bathe at the base.

If I go this route, the new trees won’t be inside the run, but away from the run and positioned to provide shade. I am concerned about them in the heat until the trees get big enough to actually provide shade. I will research how much sunshades help… Thank you!

The will dig all around and under them looking for bugs. Ask me how I know ....

Sounds like they would enjoy the roots quite a bit then.

 

[SourRoses]

Shade! (to the title)

To the body of the post... still would choose shade, always.
Whether the chickens pose any danger to the tree from exposed roots depends on the age and type of tree.
We have old Live Oaks with some exposed roots, it's a very hard wood and the chickens like to use them as low roosts, without any damage. All of the fibrous root network under the surface keeps them from digging successfully in that area.

There are a lot of tree species with finer roots that could be harmed... in that case I would put down some quality landscape cloth (which I've found pretty chicken resistant, but could pose a fiber danger IF yours have claws of steel, so keep an eye out for damage over time), and over the top place the mulch so they can kick that back and forth without really getting anywhere.