Winter Run Construction

[Ruralhideaway]

My newly combined coop space is working out well. Leaves the birds runless though.

How to build even a small but secure run in winter? Grounds pretty frozen. I have sharpened wood posts but I think they'll break if I try to drive them.

Anyone used horse stall cleanings (shavings, sawdust, straw, peat moss, manure, hay) to begin deep litter in an open run? When things thaw it's all awash with mud. Not a low spot, just wet everywhere. I plan to get woodchips and a good supply of leaves this summer but need a faster mud fix.

 

[Folly's place]

You could build a hoop coop as a run for now if that would help. I've never tried to drive posts in frozen ground, but would a post hole digger manage it? Ask at the equipment rental place, maybe?
Your idea about litter sounds good to me. Anything is better than snow!
Mary

 

[Ruralhideaway]

This year it's whoa! too much snow. Then whoa! the whole world is under water. A little average would do for a bit.

Maybe a rented power auger could do it, good idea. Hoop coop would be at risk from snow as it'll have to go up against the barn wall. That's a whole ongoing dilemma in it's own right.

 

[lazy gardener]

Wishing you the best. I'd opt for something free standing. What about getting cattle panels, covering them with chicken wire or hardware cloth, and connecting them with these:

https://www.premier1supplies.com/p/wire-panel-connector-hinge?cat_id=19

When the frost is out of the ground, you can simply dis-assemble the cattle panels, and use them in your garden. Or build a green house, CP coop, trellis, garden fence, cold frame... or any of a hundred other uses for cattle panels!!!

There is no way that I'd attempt to drive anything into the ground without power equipment when the ground is frozen.

Yes, it sounds like your horse stall bedding would be a nice option to start your DL, especially if you can put it in a covered run.

 

[Ruralhideaway]

This section of run will ultimately be roofed but that'll be a spring project, possibly involving cattle panels somehow. So getting them now, and adding an apron might be the most practical idea. I really don't want to kill myself trying to drive into ice. I have newly discovered arthritis in my hands I think, need to rest those a bit.

So the stall stuff will get wet, but still less slimy than the mud I think, and be ready for the garden by May I bet with all that chicken agitation!

Might try a tarp cover for a bit but very windy here.

 

[Percheron chick]

Pick up some chain link dog run panels on CL. You can always resell them in the summer for what you paid for them once you can build a run. They are handy to have for isolation, grow out, duck pens...

 

[Ruralhideaway]

Another good idea thanks. Seems premade panels of some type might gave to be gotten. About a mile of hardware cloth on hand but no using it right now!

 

[pennyJo1960]

Lots of good ideas being given here your in pretty great hands