Hi guys, i have 4 buff orps that are about 3 and a half weeks old now, i already have their coop built, suitable for up to 8!! but i dont know about the run. I have all the hardwire cloth and mesh that i need, but i dont whether to build a portable one or static. Where i plan to build a static one it will be enclosed by 2 walls so wont be battered by wind, and will still get sunlight. The area is 90 square feet, which is huge for 4 birds i think. I would rather know they are protected than just sitting in the middle of the garden as we have a lot of dogs round here (rottweilers no less) that could burrow under or just plain run into it. so basically : Do static runs affect the gals in any negative way? Thanks for your help guys, much appreciated!!
If it is static I have learned one thing already - KISS THE GRASS GOODBYE! Built one that was portable, but have ended up keeping it static and installing a temporary electric fence due to neighbors dogs (my neighbors must know your neighbors - they don't believe in fences either). It's been 4 weeks since they started going out in the daytime and the grass...what grass? There used to be grass....that's all I know tho...they seem fine otherwise. Of course I always put a feeder out there with them too...and water (duh right?) OH! and treats! A few treats now that the grass is mostly gone...
Mine is static out of necessity. I'm in town and while chickens are allowed by ordinance, we can be fined if they range off our property into the street or a neighbor's yard. I put sand on the floor of the run for easy cleaning. Nothing (and I do mean NOTHING) in the way of vegetation lasts long in a static run so the best bet is to go with sand to keep the mud down and for easy cleaning. Everyone seems to have their own way of doing things based on what works best for them and their flock. Here's what I do - I keep their feeder and a waterer in the coop so I never have to worry if I happen to sleep in. Out in the run, they have a waterer and a large, low-rimmed stoneware bowl in which I put messy food (like spaghetti dinner leftovers, scrambled eggs, cooked oatmeal, etc.) My girls get most of my leftovers and all my kitchen scraps. If it's messy, it goes in the bowl. If it's not, I throw it on the ground of the run so they can scratch around in it like they would free-ranging. The people food is considered "treats" and they get two feedings (breakfast and dinner). Several times a day I toss in a nice bundle of chickweed, dandelions, grass, and other greens from the yard and garden for them to scratch through. Anything that remains on the ground at the end of the day gets raked up and tossed in the compost. The pop door on the coop is open all day so the girls can get to their chicken feed on demand. This is my first time having chickens that couldn't free range. Like you, I was a little concerned about possible negative effects of penning the girls up 24/7. So far, there's been no problems. Everyone is well fed, healthy, and content. I have six Light Brahmas in 80 square feet. I think your set up will be just fine as a static run and I'm sure you'll feel less anxious knowing your flock is in a secure environment.
Why not do both? That's what I did. I have a stationary run attached to the coop plus a tractor I move around the yard. Best of both worlds.
thanks for the comments guys!! im building a static one at the moment, but im probably gonna give them a tractor too, just dont like the thought of the local dogs getting a free meal. I'm building a coop just off my house so i can just send scraps out my window, give them something to scratch at. thanks y'all!!
We use a tractor right now but we have plans in the next year to build a bigger coop & permanent yard for them. We'll continue to use the tractor as well since both the chickens and our property benefit from it
