I am wondering if I should do a compost bin-annex to my run. My chickens cant freerange where I live like how I'd like them to. There are not much pictures available online for any ideas. I found this: And I know about the deep litter and all that but its not really what I want. I would like something like a pallet bin, but connected to the run, accessible from outside the run, maybe with a lid or covered with chicken wire. Like this: I am only looking for in-run or connected-to-run compost bins/areas. I have read most of the compost threads on BYC but hardly any pictures! Anyone build anything like this?
We have made pallet type but not permanent, used metal t posts hammered thru the ends of pallets to keep them standing, but no cover or front on those and wouldn't be predator proof. Currently I am using compost bin hardware "legs" I got from Lee Valley tools, you just cut boards and screw into the "legs" and makes a quick compost bin - again this is not predator proof. My plan is to allow access only when I am on guard. But I think you are wanting something to leave free access to your flock and protect them as well. Either of the type we have used could be skirted and fortified with hardware cloth…attach a framed top with hardware cloth over it as well. The hard part, I think, will be making it so you can add things to compost and how to be able to remove compost. Have you seen the framed sectional fences people do? A compost bin could be made like that and when time to remove finished product, you could remove a side to access it. I had considered chunnel from run to compost area, but I like your idea much more.
We just use big plastic bins and we Vermi compost (use worms to compost faster)... It is better if you build your own wooden bin but it will break down eventually and you won't want pre treated wood.
I live in very dry country, this year I am using a large cardboard box, tied down with posts. We will see.
Well this morning I started my bin: the finished product: After I added some garden cuttings... (I think they dont get it yet what they are supposed to do lol):
I like it, nice design. Looks like you got a lot of helping hands and beaks. You may want to shut the chickens out of the bin until they are very used to laying in the assigned nests. And only let them explore the new bin while you are present until they can understand where to lay and where to play?
