Newbie: Kids + Hens + Alternative Coop/Run

[ziliz99]

Hi all, I'm trying to think outside the box and reduce waste + $. My kids are 1 and 5 but they have slowly stopped using their outdoor playhouse. We have limited space due to city ordenances to place the coop. The current location of the swing set and the adjacent space next to our house are the only possible locations for the coop and run. Since the kids don't use the underside of the swing set at all, I thought we could enclose it to use as a run while converting their wood playhouse into the coop. The playhouse has just the right dimentions so that might work even if moved to the house wall. The swing set under space measures over 10ft x 4ft. My concern is - this play swing set is supposed to be cedar. 1. Is that gonna kill the chickens?? 2. Is it okay for the kids to continue playing on the top of the run? The run would be enclosed in hardwire cloth, except for the floor. The swing set would be too heavy to lift. Thanks in advance for the help, advice and ideas, appreciate it!

 

[FowlProtector]

I love that you’re allowing outside the box and reusing what you have to produce a great setup for your cravings! It sounds like a creative and resourceful idea, so let’s break it down.

Cedar Wood and Cravens
Cedar is not ideal for cranes, substantially because of its sweet canes that can be dangerous to their respiratory systems. These canvases are generally released as a smell and can irritate their lungs over time. Over time, exposure to cedar could lead to breathing problems, so it’s better to err on the side of caution. However, I'd suggest covering the cedar with commodity that doesn’t have the same sweet canvases, like plywood, if you’re using the cedar swing set structure. This will help minimize any implicit health pitfalls.

Still, it's presumably okay, but I’d still be conservative if it's a lower area that cravens will not be in direct contact with constantly.

Kiddies Playing on Top of the Run
As for the kids playing on top of the run, I don’t see an issue as long as you make sure the structure is solid and can support their weight. Since you’re using tackle cloth, which is very strong, just make sure the swing set is secure and can handle any weight added on top. You might want to support it or double-check that the top of the run won’t bow or collapse if they jump over there.

Still, you will want to make sure the cravens can’t escape or get stressed from the redundant activity. However, the cravens might get scarified, so you’d need to keep that in mind if the kiddies’ movements on top cause too much vibration or shaking.

The Run Floor
Since the bottom of the run will be open (not solid), be sure to check for any sharp edges or implicit hazards like nails that could hurt the cravens. A good idea would be to either put down clay, beach, or some form of easy-to-clean material that keeps the area dry and drains well. Some people use old carpet (with no poisonous chemicals) or rubber mats for easier cleaning, too.

A Few Other Tips

Ventilation: If you convert the cinema into the corral, make sure it’s well-ventilated. Cravens need a good tailwind to keep the air fresh and reduce the threat of respiratory issues, especially if you’re in a lower space.
Safety for kids: Keep an eye on the setup to make sure the kids don’t end up inadvertently disturbing the cravens or the cravens trying to escape through gaps in the line. Adding some kind of funk-proof hedge around the edges where the kids play could be helpful.
Overall, I suppose it’s a clever plan that could work well with a few variations! How are you thinking about setting up the corral and run—do you already have materials or a specific layout in mind?

 

[DobieLover]

Please post pictures.

The swing set under space measures over 10ft x 4ft

The run would only be large enough for 3 birds unless you expand the area. I always recommend a minimum of 15 sq ft per bird and you have 4. I would just add onto the 10' length and go out another 6' if possible and make the run 10x10. Larger space for chickens is ALWAYS better.

this play swing set is supposed to be cedar. 1. Is that gonna kill the chickens?

Not at all. It is aromatic cedar that is the problem, not aged cedar used for construction. Don't use cedar chips for bedding.

Is it okay for the kids to continue playing on the top of the run?

I wouldn't. If one of them fell in...

 

[ziliz99]

Please post pictures.

The run would only be large enough for 3 birds unless you expand the area. I always recommend a minimum of 15 sq ft per bird and you have 4. I would just add onto the 10' length and go out another 6' if possible and make the run 10x10. Larger space for chickens is ALWAYS better.

Not at all. It is aromatic cedar that is the problem, not aged cedar used for construction. Don't use cedar chips for bedding.

I wouldn't. If one of them fell in...

Hi thanks for the help, unfortunately can't post pictures as my phone camera is shattered. It's one of those kidkraft elevated swing sets. Theres two towers and a bridge in between.Each tower has a slide,. I don't forsee this sructure falling or the kids falling from there. The've used it for over 2 years without issues. The space below is like a crawl space.

 

[ziliz99]

Please post pictures.

The run would only be large enough for 3 birds unless you expand the area. I always recommend a minimum of 15 sq ft per bird and you have 4. I would just add onto the 10' length and go out another 6' if possible and make the run 10x10. Larger space for chickens is ALWAYS better.

Not at all. It is aromatic cedar that is the problem, not aged cedar used for construction. Don't use cedar chips for bedding.

I wouldn't. If one of them fell in...

My concern was more of any gas/bacteria that will be in the area.

 

[ziliz99]

I love that you’re allowing outside the box and reusing what you have to produce a great setup for your cravings! It sounds like a creative and resourceful idea, so let’s break it down.

Cedar Wood and Cravens
Cedar is not ideal for cranes, substantially because of its sweet canes that can be dangerous to their respiratory systems. These canvases are generally released as a smell and can irritate their lungs over time. Over time, exposure to cedar could lead to breathing problems, so it’s better to err on the side of caution. However, I'd suggest covering the cedar with commodity that doesn’t have the same sweet canvases, like plywood, if you’re using the cedar swing set structure. This will help minimize any implicit health pitfalls.

Still, it's presumably okay, but I’d still be conservative if it's a lower area that cravens will not be in direct contact with constantly.

Kiddies Playing on Top of the Run
As for the kids playing on top of the run, I don’t see an issue as long as you make sure the structure is solid and can support their weight. Since you’re using tackle cloth, which is very strong, just make sure the swing set is secure and can handle any weight added on top. You might want to support it or double-check that the top of the run won’t bow or collapse if they jump over there.

Still, you will want to make sure the cravens can’t escape or get stressed from the redundant activity. However, the cravens might get scarified, so you’d need to keep that in mind if the kiddies’ movements on top cause too much vibration or shaking.

The Run Floor
Since the bottom of the run will be open (not solid), be sure to check for any sharp edges or implicit hazards like nails that could hurt the cravens. A good idea would be to either put down clay, beach, or some form of easy-to-clean material that keeps the area dry and drains well. Some people use old carpet (with no poisonous chemicals) or rubber mats for easier cleaning, too.

A Few Other Tips

Ventilation: If you convert the cinema into the corral, make sure it’s well-ventilated. Cravens need a good tailwind to keep the air fresh and reduce the threat of respiratory issues, especially if you’re in a lower space.
Safety for kids: Keep an eye on the setup to make sure the kids don’t end up inadvertently disturbing the cravens or the cravens trying to escape through gaps in the line. Adding some kind of funk-proof hedge around the edges where the kids play could be helpful.
Overall, I suppose it’s a clever plan that could work well with a few variations! How are you thinking about setting up the corral and run—do you already have materials or a specific layout in mind?

Hi, thanks so much for your thoughtful comment. I apologize, I really wasn't clear on the swing situation. I don't have a camera but this swing set is pretty close to ours, minus the rock climbing and enclosed area at the bottom. The kids use the swings, the "bridge" and slides but the bottom portion is never used. Ours is a bit over 10ft from slide to slide and a bit over 4' wide. This would be a temporary run until we can close off the property and let them free run. My thought was to zip tie or staple the hardwire cloth to the wood posts. The coop would be adjacent to the run. The coop floor would be concrete, sand and flakes. The run floor is currently "grass" carpet which I thought needed to be ripped out for the chickens but unsure now given that you mentioned carpet.

 

[ChaosMom]

I apologize if I missed this, but how temporary are we talking? It looks like it has potential, but I do wonder if the chickens would be freaked out by little kids thundering overhead. (I know that if I were still a little kid, I would be completely entranced by having chickens so near.)

 

[ziliz99]

I apologize if I missed this, but how temporary are we talking? It looks like it has potential, but I do wonder if the chickens would be freaked out by little kids thundering overhead. (I know that if I were still a little kid, I would be completely entranced by having chickens so near.)

Good point, they rarely use it to be honest but they do use it - its not entirely retired. The playhouse on the other hand hasn't been used in about a year.

 

[RojoMarz]

Maybe this article will prompt an idea or two

 

[ziliz99]

Maybe this article will prompt an idea or two

Thank you!