chooklady Posted June 15, 2008 Share Posted June 15, 2008 We are intending to build a run and have a cube inside. My question is should we make a solid base of slabs and put wood chippings over OR should we put slabs for the framework to stand on, we will probably use 18 x 18 inch slabs, then we could have some dirt and some grass in the central part, WHICH WOULD YOU DO AND WHY? Many thanks for your help once again. Nicola Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted June 15, 2008 Share Posted June 15, 2008 we only did the surround in brick/cement and not slabbed underneath the run area itself. My chooks love to scratch, so we kept the soil which is currently under a thick layer of aubiose, the soil has compacted and is lovely and hard, but the chooks like to scratch down to the earth and find bits. Also if we ever moved (which is likely) the structure isnt a pain to remove/take down. I think both options are a good idea though, its just choosing which is better for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tessa the Duchess Posted June 15, 2008 Share Posted June 15, 2008 Hi, When I built my new run I just put the frame on slabs leaving a dirt area in the middle. The reason I did it that way was so that the chickens could have an area to scratch through the Hemcore as this would be like 'normal' behaviour, also I liked the fact that I could dig over the earth every so often and put down lime or Stalosan to deodarise it. Of course if you slab the whole run it does make it easy to brush up the Hemcore and hose down. 6 of one and half a dozen of the other Tessa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted June 15, 2008 Share Posted June 15, 2008 My cube is in a walk in run, on an area which is cobbled, a fact that we only discovered when preparing the ground for the run. It is ideal though, as the hens can scratch away at the Aubiose I put down, but it is relatively simple to sweep up when I'm doing a big clear out, and nothing can tunnel in from outside. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cammy73 Posted June 15, 2008 Share Posted June 15, 2008 I have a walk in run with a cube in it, ours is soil based and wood chip on top, it works well the girls are happy scatching around in it, and they dig their own dust baths too....It doesnt gat too muddy either... Sharon x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
welsh sarah Posted June 15, 2008 Share Posted June 15, 2008 hi mine is on slabs, but that is only because it was already there. i have put bedding on top and they scratch around in that but they do have alot of free ranging i think it is personal preference sarah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katie Posted June 15, 2008 Share Posted June 15, 2008 Our run is on earth, with leaves and other matter on top. They love it ! It doesn't get too muddy as it is sheltered by trees. I guess the best idea is to work with what suits you and your garden Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
