Chicken’s Choice Dust Bath is the perfect addition to your chicken run, providing a natural way for your flock to stay clean, remove excess oils, and keep their feathers in top condition. With its all-natural formula, it helps prevent parasites and keeps your chickens happy and healthy while they enjoy their favorite self-care activity!
Why a Good Chicken Run Matters
A chicken run serves several important purposes:
- Protection – Keeps your flock safe from predators like foxes, raccoons, hawks, and neighborhood dogs.
- Space to Roam – Gives chickens room to exercise, forage, and dust bathe.
- Health and Hygiene – Reduces overcrowding in the coop and helps prevent disease.
- Happier Chickens – A well-designed run provides enrichment and prevents boredom, which can lead to pecking and other bad behaviors.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Location
Before you start building, consider these factors:
- Drainage: Avoid low-lying areas that collect water. Slightly sloped ground helps with drainage.
- Sun and Shade: Chickens need a mix of sun and shade. Position the run near trees or add a cover for shade.
- Proximity to the Coop: The run should connect directly to the coop so chickens can move freely.
Step 2: Determining the Size
A good rule of thumb is at least 10 square feet per chicken in the run. More space is always better! If you have space constraints, consider free-ranging your chickens part of the day or expanding vertically with perches.
Step 3: Building a Predator-Proof Structure
1. Sturdy Fencing
Use hardware cloth (½-inch mesh) instead of chicken wire, which predators can rip through. Bury the wire at least 12 inches underground or use an L-shaped apron to prevent digging predators.
2. Secure Roofing
A fully enclosed run is best. Use:
- Hardware cloth or welded wire to keep out raccoons and hawks.
- Clear polycarbonate panels for a weather-protected run.
- Tarp or shade cloth for sun protection.
3. Locking Doors and Latches
Use predator-proof latches (not simple hooks) on all access points. Raccoons are skilled at opening simple latches!
Step 4: Choosing the Right Flooring
Your run’s floor should be comfortable, easy to clean, and safe from predators. Options include:
- Dirt (with buried wire for security) – Natural but can turn muddy.
- Sand – Drains well, easy to clean, and prevents mud.
- Gravel with straw or wood chips – Helps with drainage and gives chickens something to scratch in.
- Concrete (if predators are a big concern) – Very secure but needs bedding for comfort.
Step 5: Adding Enrichment for Happy Chickens
Keep your chickens entertained with:
- Perches and roosts at different heights.
- Dust bath area with sand or loose dirt.
- Hanging cabbage or treat balls for pecking fun.
- Logs, stumps, or ramps for climbing.
Step 6: Weatherproofing the Run
- For Hot Climates: Add shade cloth, plants, or a misting system.
- For Cold Climates: Use windbreaks, clear plastic panels, or deep litter for warmth.
- For Rainy Areas: A covered run helps keep things dry and prevents muddy messes.
Chicken’s Choice Dust Bath is the perfect addition to your chicken run, providing a natural way for your flock to stay clean, remove excess oils, and keep their feathers in top condition. With its all-natural formula, it helps prevent parasites and keeps your chickens happy and healthy while they enjoy their favorite self-care activity!
