small coop

[annek]

Quote:
What is sweet PDZ?

Sorry, shouldn't piggy back on the topic, but I really want to know. thanks!

It is used in horse barns for their stalls. I use it because it says it is absolutely safe for chickens to eat. It does a great job absorbing odors and moisture. I use it in my cat boxes too. Here is the link to their web site. I buy it from our local Boots, Bridals, and Britches but they are carried at most horse type stores. Another one that a lot of people use is Stall Dri, I don't use it because I couldn't find where the manufacturer said it was okay to eat it. I pay around 11.00 for a 40 lb bag and it goes a long way.

http://www.sweetpdz.com/

Anne

 

[LittleMamaBigPapa]

Quote:
Awesome, thanks Anne!!!

 

[GardeNerd]

I am a city dweller. I have a small coop (but it is on the medium coop pages) I do let mine out in a dog pen or a tractor most days so they don't get bored and start cannibalizing each other. I make sure to give the pullets stuff to keep them entertained if they are stuck in the coop and run. I usually throw garden trimmings like grape vines or bolted lettuce into for them to peck around in.

As for height, my run is short and it works fine. It is no big deal and it does double duty as a potting table. I use a rake to clean the run and I have yet to feel like the hunchback. Just don't make it any wider than you can reach with a rake and you will be fine. I just open the door of mine and the hens come out to me for treats.

Walk in runs are nice if you want to sit inside with your chickens. I talked my neighbor into building a playhouse style coop when she was undecided as what to do, and she is real happy with it. The playhouse coop is the first one on the index of coop pages. Lots of folks here at BYC use them. It is a nice size for a city and should hold 3 or 4 okay.

I clean under the roosts daily and rake the rest out at least weekly. I have deep litter in the floor of the coop and fluff it once a week and change it every other month. I have screen over the hardware cloth on all the openings to keep flies out. Just like keeping dogs in the city, if you neglect cleaning up after them regularly, you get smell and flies. Stay on top of it, and there won't be any issues. My husband and neighbors have not noticed any problems.

Good luck.