[longbow]

Having nearly finished constructing our 6m x 2m fox/rat proof run complete with under soil mesh & roof. we have come to a dilema. The first 2m where the coop will be will have corrugated roofing over the mesh to leave some dry soil during wet weather. The problem is with the remaining 4m. Should we leave it as earth for the birds to scratch around in or should we turf it? If we turf, will the birds (a) keep the grass to a managable level, (b) destroy the turf completely, or (c) will I have to mow it? We have planted some mature Bamboo in the run and have also put in some old apple tree branches for the birds to perch in to try and make it look & feel nice for the birds. Are we going in the right direction?

[chickenlady]

Hello! I was thinking of putting some turf up 1 end of my run! but wasnt sure if the girls would scratch it up before it rooted! knowing my girls i certainly wouldnt need to mow it! and at just £3 a m2 suppose it could be replace easily?

[8doubles]

Leave it as earth that you can dig over when needed. In a small fixed run turf will be destroyed in a fortnight.

Kev

[Kate and her Ducks]

The turf will last about 5 minutes I would have thought!

It sound like a palace for your girls and the branches are a great idea.

[wadz81]

We did ours with some slabs, some dirt and bought a roll of turf to put down it lasted about two weeks and then we had to replace it but it's only £2.99 so it's not too much and the girls do enjoy it!

[longbow]

My question has only been on air for 2 hours and it's looking like we have an answer. Leave it as earth with perhaps the odd square meter or so of turf added every couple of weeks as an enticement for them. Thanks very much for your quick and helpful suggestions. I wonder if my next post will be as succesful!

[Kate and her Ducks]

Keep asking easy questions! It'll make us look good!

[grumpydad]

we left turf, it lasted for 2 days, now we have a deep layer of bark chippings for them to scratch in when we give them mixed corn. lasts them for hours, and when that has gone and needs to be replaced it can be composted. we wash it down every other night to keep it relativly clean of the poo we cant lift up. water and feed hopper hang from the roof so dont get too dirty.

martyn