Materials Used in Chicken Runs and Coops

Chicken runs and coops can be thought of in two parts, one part the materials and design, or two the social make up and habits. I will review some material variations with some tips and recommendations for the new and seasoned chicken ranchers.

Basic Materials

Most chicken runs and coops are made up of lumber and chicken wire, fashioned in different shapes and sizes. There are some chicken ranchers that want to keep their chickens a little bit more out of sight, while at the same time giving the chickens their proper ventilation. The option the ranchers use is a form of plywood called peg board. The peg board has multiple holes made from the factory and it allows air to flow through for good ventilation which is an absolute must for the health of your chickens.

Alternate Your Peg Board

If you want your chicken runs and coops to have a different look or increase ventilation, try using peg board on the side walls only and use chicken wire on the top of your run for protection from predators. If you are not satisfied with the ventilation of the top only method, try using the peg board on top and chicken wire on the side walls. The peg board on top method allows a good camouflage against hawks and other flying predators and still allowing for some sun to penetrate.

Straw Usage

How would you like to double your straw usage? Try spreading straw on the floor of your chicken runs and coops. Because the nature of a chickens life style which is hunting and pecking for insects and other proteins on the ground, your chicken run floor should be bare dirt without spreading some straw on top.

By spreading the chicken run with straw you get a double benefit. The chickens will use the straw as an outside nest and lay eggs in a corner easy for gathering.

With the chickens always laying their waste, as well as eggs on the straw, it gets saturated with natural fertilizer. Because chicken waste is very high in ammonia, you will want to rake up the chicken run floor straw and let it set in a pile for about two weeks before using it on your plants.

Using straw in regions where the weather periods are longer and more severe. Straw is a great insulator in combination with wood shavings or saw dust on the floor. In warmer climates straw is great for nesting but in cold climates straw and a 6-8 inch layer of wood shavings is almost a must. Keeping your chickens warm with a thick layer of straw and wood shavings is very inexpensive and you get all the benefits mentioned earlier in this article.

Keeping Clean Chickens

Believe it or not chickens like to bathe if given the opportunity. I would recommend placing a small tub of some kind into your chicken runs and coops for the chickens to bathe in from time to time. The chickens will drink from it and poop in it so keep it clean if you do choose to use this feature.

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