Run under raised deck: good idea or bad?

[Joyce G]

Hi all! I've had 4 chickens for not quite a year now. My coop is raised with a small run directly underneath. I attached another run (just run, no coop) to give them their 10 sq ft per lady, however, I really want to give them some extra running room. My township doesn't allow free-ranging on my size property (although I have been known to let them run free within my picket fence back yard if I'm going to be working in the yard for at least an hour). They get a chance to run around while I can still keep an eye on them.
If I add an additional 12 x 16 run, which will give them an additional 192 sq ft, do I have to worry about cleaning the new run or is it large enough that it will take care of itself? I currently use the deep litter method in my existing runs, but said new run will be under my deck. I would wrap appropriate chicken wire/fencing around the perimeter of said deck and attach the current coop/run setup to it. The deck is about 40" off the ground at its highest point, and 20" at its lowest point. I know this ceiling height won't bother them, because when I let them loose they immediately start pecking under the deck, which is what caused this lightbulb moment. I won't be able to walk in the new run with the low deck height to do any cleaning. I've read plenty of posts about run bedding and it seems like the new run won't need cleaned and would basically take care of itself with only 4 chickens, but I just wanted to get some confirmation from the chicken pros. Also, I've considered the following pros and cons, but if anyone sees any issues I haven't thought of, please let me know!

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Pros​

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Cons​

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Deck floor would be run ceiling, saving time and money while still being ~hawk-proof.​

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Ceiling too short to be able to clean run.​

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Using currently unusable space so won’t take up any more yard space.​

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Possible poop smell floating up when relaxing on the deck.​

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Existing coop/run setup will remain in sunlight so they will always have access to shade and sun.​

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Not much sunlight under the deck except for around perimeter.​

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Will attach predator-proof wire/fence directly to existing deck support posts, saving time and money.​

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Unable to provide predator- proof floor, since I can’t get into run.​

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[debid]

One thing you may not have considered is that they may look at that space as private/protected and start laying there. Maybe even try to sit on eggs under there. Or hiding out there when injured or unwell... Personally, I wouldn't want to give them unlimited access to any location that I cannot also access.

 

[Ridgerunner]

One thing you may not have considered is that they may look at that space as private/protected and start laying there. Maybe even try to sit on eggs under there. Or hiding out there when injured or unwell... Personally, I wouldn't want to give them unlimited access to any location that I cannot also access.

 

[Yardmom]

I have included our deck inside my duck pen. My ducks are only locked in the pen at night, so not usually there when we are on the deck. My chickens come into the pen during the day, but don't usually go under the deck.
I would not expect your chickens to have much build up for poop, I think you could be ok not to clean for their sake, but your tolerance for the smell for fresh poo and knowing it is there might be different.
My ducks do occasionally decide to lay eggs under the deck. Chickens tend to be better at going to existing nest, so I can not say for sure how that will go for you. I have two teen girls who are able to crawl under the deck when needed. It hasn't happened often, but catching a duck that doesn't want caught can be a challenge with under the deck access. For your chickens they should still come to the coop during roosting time so hopefully no need catching them under the deck.

 

[Joyce G]

One thing you may not have considered is that they may look at that space as private/protected and start laying there. Maybe even try to sit on eggs under there. Or hiding out there when injured or unwell... Personally, I wouldn't want to give them unlimited access to any location that I cannot also access.

Thanks, I hadn't thought of that!

 

[fldiver97]

Just a few thoughts….. I don’t have small or big maintenance issues with a large roofed coop. My chickens all go to the nest boxes to lay. One summer though one of the ladies decided to lay and establish a nest under the 3 wooden porch stairs and it took me awhile to figure out why they weren’t laying well Once those eggs started rotting in the summer heat I found the large stash of eggs. The gap on the side of the stairs was fairly small but it made for a cozy little nook.
My point is, someone may decide to do something similar.
I would probably enclose your space if I were you but maybe put a door (either to lift or like a double door) at the short end and maybe on the side as well so you can get in there with a rake as needed. Just put raccoon safe latches on and use hardware cloth to enclose.