Temporary shelter for daytime use only?

[abbyok]

Hi! I'm new with chickens. I have 6 and right now they have a locked up tight coop and run and free range several hours a day. I am planning on expanding our garden next year and thought I might get the chickens to help (they aren't laying yet - so they can start earning their keep!). I bought metal fence stakes and green plastic fencing and have sectioned off the area for the new garden plot. I'm going to try to cover the whole thing with bird netting. But, since it's a sunny garden spot, I assume I need temporary shelter for the chicks. Could I just set up a tarp with a few stumps underneath it? I don't want to get too fancy. After this gardening experiment they will go back to their carefree non working free range lifestyle......

 

[N F C]

A tarp set up for shade would work. You can put their water and feed under there too, that will encourage them to get under it. Another thing the tarp will do is give them some protection/cover from flying predators.

Good luck with your plans!

 

[IaBlueGal]

I would just make sure that as the sun changes position, that the tarp is providing shade at all times. I think it'll work. Good luck!

 

[abbyok]

Thanks! So far they've done really well in the new temporary paddock. I'm going to try to get a bigger tarp - just so they have more shade to run insuring the day - but they seem to be doing fine! Thx for replying!