Show me your compost bin - in or attached to your run -

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.

 

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?

 

I think that is awesome! I think we need to build a wooden one now!