Single hen

[Jacqui]

Hi All,

we finished the new run and coop, got the additional girls into the flock which is still ongoing but nothing too dramatic but think the more docile girls would like a space where they can hide out from the rough and tumble.  The main run is 6' high, 7' wide and 14' long and 12" of woodchip, has raised coop 4'x 7' so plenty of space but no real hiding spots.  I'm going to add a side extension which will be 4' by 14' and thought I might add a secondary coop at same time.  

Half the flock has feathered legs and in prep for winter and fall rain I was thinking to build the entire thing raised on pallets, wired on bottom and sides with fixed roof.  on top of the wire would be 6" of wood chip.  Would this work for keeping their feet dry or should i rethink it?  the whole exercise was to avoid another winter like last year, definately want everyone to be dry, clean and comfortable.

thanks for advice

Jacqui

[Cat tails]

You could add some perches and logs to roost on. I have two logs in my run, which they use to sit on, but my most docile hen also uses them to get away from my top hen.

[The Dogmother]

Could you just base the whole thing on slabs or concrete, with the litter inside the run? I have slabs under mine, and the runs are covered with a clear waterproof  tarp - it's dry and snug in the winter.

[Patricia W]

I have chickens with feathery feet and just cover the run.  They are on aubiose so stay dry with no problem.  The run is on clay which is rock hard.  

[Jacqui]

Cat Tails..will put some additional roost in, they have a ladder but more roost wont hurt.

dont have any slabs around at the moment, trying to use what I can get my hands on free...but if I find any before the work starts would be preferable to wiring the pallets...

[The Dogmother]

I think that you'll find pallets to be a bit of a nightmare.

Have you tried 'asking' on Freecycle/Freegle locally for paving slabs? A lot of people are doing garden work right now and ripping up patios to put in decking.