Chicken Pasture
Last week, we shared the conversion of our garden shed turned chicken house. Today it's time for the final reveal of their outdoor run!
The entire enclosed area is approximately 1500 sq ft. The house can hold up to 50 chickens (though we currently only have 30). At full capacity they will have about 30sq ft per bird in the yard. We wanted to give them a large outdoor space primarily because our golden retriever and local predators make it impractical to free range them, but we also wanted a space where we could freely interact with them.
We also needed the fence to be sturdy enough to withstand the dog jumping against it, tall enough to prevent the chickens from flying over, and visually appealing enough to be the first thing you see on arrival at the farm. We applied a few things we learned from the old outdoor run area, such as bringing the bottom panels up high enough that the dog can’t simply look right over top of them and terrorize the chickens inside.
Setting the posts & adding supports:
For the short section between the shed and the barn, we chose to do a privacy fence. Our children are looking forward to painting a mural here eventually and we’ll be able to do a raised bed garden in the alcove under it. But for now it separates the spaces cleanly.
On the inside of the run, we brought all kinds of scraps in and made good use of them to provide enrichment.
Old pallets create a bit of shelter, a small roost area, and some climbing adventures. The younger ladies especially seem to love this spot.
The door to our old coop is being used as a grazing box and the base for a playground. So far they are not the slightest bit interested in the swings but they regularly roost on both levels.
Re-used 2×4s (part of the rabbit enclosure at our old home) were used in conjunction with no-dig panels to create grazing boxes and a secure border all the way around the outside edges. Grass, leftover vegetable seeds, and other forage crops can be grown in these boxes, allowing the chickens to eat what pokes through while protecting the roots and shoots from their scratching.
A section of hardware cloth (also from our old rabbit enclosure) makes a fun tunnel.
Bird feeders create fun treat stations.
Old wood creates a climbing structure and an invitation for insects.
An old tire contains the dust bath.
We left one of the human swings in the tree to give us a place to sit when we visit. A chair also stays here to allow us to comfortably hang with the birds.
Small structures provide cover and quiet places to rest as well as things to climb and roost.
Serviceberry saplings will eventually mature to create a canopy and provide seasonal forage. Herbs are also seeded around these and wire cages prevent the young plants from being pecked and scratched to death.
Hopefully with all the things to do and explore, the chickens will not immediately kill all the green things in their path, but we’ll see. For now they are enjoying nibbling on and napping in the tall grass.
