I have 4 pekins and for reasons too complicated to go into, am having to replace their house. So far they have had an ark on the grass with quite a big extension run, and they free range most of the day normally, but I am now thinking of getting something static, on a bed of bark chippings for instance, to make it easier for neighbours to look after them when we are on holiday, as they won't need moving every few days. Also this would have a roof and a sheltered area for when it rains/snows etc., rather than me dashing in and out fixing covers every time there is a sign of rain! I'm just not sure about the hygiene aspect of them staying on the same piece of ground for weeks. If this was about 3 or 4 square metres and there are 4 of them, would it be ok to leave them in the same place them for 2 weeks? I am told that they dig it all over so it doesn't go really yukky but it strikes me as being a bit smelly and unhygienic, especially in the summer. Also, does anyone know which they prefer - being on the grass or on bark chippings which they can dig around in? :?
chicken housing
- Thread starter elmdene
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pebojuno
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I would say that if they are going to be left on the same ground they'd be better off on chippings as the grass would be messed up within a very short space of time.
If you are letting them range in the garden when you are around then they should be more than happy- the bark chippings will need replacing regularly but they should be happier with them than mud which is what the grass could end up as!
If you are letting them range in the garden when you are around then they should be more than happy- the bark chippings will need replacing regularly but they should be happier with them than mud which is what the grass could end up as!
Rebelodicus
New member
There's no easy answer to this. Many people that I see keep thier chooks in one small coop. The lottie next to mine has 5 Warrens in an enclosed coop of about 2 X4 meters. Some other owners have even smaller. They don't ever range outside like mine. I don't see them take any extra measures on thier ground. This will cause the ground to become "Chicken sick". The soil becomes sour and contaminated by things like worms and bacteria. In my experience if the chooks are to be kept in one run for any length of time they need stuff to scratch around in and the ground needs turning over ocassionaly. (And enough room. Mine have at least 3 Metre sq each when confined to their coop and a second coop that is the same size and closed to them to grow mustard and recover until I want it.)
Grass is eaten in very short order. Don't rely on it for anything more than bright yellow yolks :mrgreen:
The pic shows my lottie/coops a few weeks back. I am standing under a tree in the second coop after having turned the soil and seeded it. To the right is the gate to the quarantine/ small (3 m X 2m) coop and the main coop to the front there. You'll notice the walk board for wet weather ... The chooks have various and ever changing access to the lottie. (It goes up as far as the Anderson shelter and GH) Great for pest and weed control
A bit rough and ready, but the girls are happy and healthy, as am I
17
Grass is eaten in very short order. Don't rely on it for anything more than bright yellow yolks :mrgreen:
The pic shows my lottie/coops a few weeks back. I am standing under a tree in the second coop after having turned the soil and seeded it. To the right is the gate to the quarantine/ small (3 m X 2m) coop and the main coop to the front there. You'll notice the walk board for wet weather ... The chooks have various and ever changing access to the lottie. (It goes up as far as the Anderson shelter and GH) Great for pest and weed control
A bit rough and ready, but the girls are happy and healthy, as am I
17
Aileen
New member
My run is "static" as my gals can only get out on "supervised" outings as they discovered my very posh neighbours plants last year and neighbour was none to pleased.
It is a bit of extra work but my gals are fine, I have actually slabbed my run with a dustbath at one end and a muddy play area at the other, as long as you can get access to poop scoop regularly and do a deep clean every 6-8 weeks then you shouldn't have an issue with pong / germs.
Another forum member said they pour mega diluted jeyes fluid onto muck to keep germs down, never tried it but I am partial to a bit of Dettol over the slabs......... :lol:
It's the same as all animals, keep on top of it and everything will be fine, take care x
It is a bit of extra work but my gals are fine, I have actually slabbed my run with a dustbath at one end and a muddy play area at the other, as long as you can get access to poop scoop regularly and do a deep clean every 6-8 weeks then you shouldn't have an issue with pong / germs.
Another forum member said they pour mega diluted jeyes fluid onto muck to keep germs down, never tried it but I am partial to a bit of Dettol over the slabs......... :lol:
It's the same as all animals, keep on top of it and everything will be fine, take care x
A
Anonymous
Guest
I would go for bark chippings but as already said you have to be prepared to scrape the lot out and replace it every 6 to 8 weeks. In winter we also put in alot of straw as it is cheap and can be removed each week to keep things clean.Ours do free range alot though when we are at home.
