Raising chickens in your backyard? Here’s one garden idea that will make you AND your chickens happier!
Benefits of chicken in the garden!
When it comes to raising chickens, there are a lot of things to consider – from what type of chicken you want to raise, to where you’ll get your chicks, to how you’ll care for them. But one thing that’s often overlooked is what to do with all that chicken poop!
Chicken poop is rich in nitrogen, which makes it great for your garden. But if you don’t have a place to put it, it can start to smell and attract flies. That’s where the chicken poop garden comes in.
Chickens can do a lot more than just produce fresh eggs for us. They help to till and fertilize the soil as they move around, and they love to eat weeds, snails, bugs, and other critters that might otherwise trespass into our gardens. By keeping a flock of chickens, we can help to reduce the number of pests in our gardens organically.
What is a chicken tunnel?
A chicken tunnel is a type of movable chicken coop that allows chickens to roam freely while still providing protection from predators. The tunnel is typically made of chicken wire and has a door at each end that can be opened or closed to allow the chickens to enter or exit. Chicken tunnels can be used in a variety of settings, including backyard chicken coops and commercial chicken farms.
Four sides of the cage are made of mesh so that your pet(s) could enjoy the sunshine and fresh air outside, eat grass or insects, but be protected from predators.
By making a movable chicken tunnel, chooks become effective helpers around the garden since you can direct them to areas that need to be taken care of. This is a great way to use the natural scratching and foraging instinct of the chicken to your benefit, while also giving the chicken a chance to exercise.
If you’re looking for a way to let your chickens roam freely without having to worry about predators, a chicken tunnel is a great option. Your chickens will be able to run and explore to their heart’s content, and you’ll be able to relax knowing that they’re safe. Plus, they’re sure to love the extra space and freedom!
The size of your chicken tunnel should depend on the size of your flock. If you have a small flock, you can get away with a smaller tunnel. However, if you have a large flock, you’ll need a larger tunnel to accommodate them.
You’re happy, and the chickens are happy — what’s not to love?
Do you need a movable chicken tunnel in your yard?
You’ll need these materials:
- 4′ Wire Fencing
- 1″ thick Wood Slats / PVC Pipes
- Bungee Cords / Zip Ties
- Wood Screws
And these tools:
- Wire Cutter
- Saw
- Drill
How to make a chicken tunnel?
One way to build a chicken tunnel is to simply attach some chicken wire to some existing fencing. This can be a quick and easy way to add a chicken tunnel to your property, and it won’t take up too much space.
Another way to build a chicken tunnel is to construct a frame out of wood or PVC pipe. You can then cover this frame with chicken wire or other poultry netting. This option will take a bit more time and effort. So let’s get started with this one!
Prepare the Materials and Tools needed
In this project, we will be using a few tools such as a wire cutter, saw, and drill. We will also need some materials like wood screws, wire fencing, wood slats, zip ties, and bungee cords. With these tools and materials, we will be able to create a sturdy and durable chicken run that will last for years.
The Dimensions
When deciding on the dimensions of your chicken tunnel, you will need to consider the number of chickens that will be using the tunnel, as well as the average size of the chickens. A good rule of thumb is to make the tunnel at least 2 feet wide and 2 feet tall for every 10 chickens. This will ensure that the chickens have plenty of space to move around and are not crowded.
The Base
If you plan on moving your chicken tunnel around often, it’s important to have a solid base. This will make it much easier to pick up and move, and will also help protect your chickens from predators. A simple base can be made out of wood slats or PVC pipes. For extra protection, you can cover the base with chicken wire or hardware cloth.
To create a stable, long-lasting tunnel structure, it is advisable to create a series of rectangular bases for your tunnel. This will ensure that your tunnel does not collapse over time and can withstand any external forces. By creating a series of bases, you will also be able to create a stronger overall tunnel structure.
The Tunnel
The wire fencing will be attached to the base of your chicken tunnel.
You can choose to have a rectangular tunnel or a curved one. If you choose a rectangular tunnel, you will need to make a series of rectangular frames that are attached to the base where you can attach the chicken wire or wire fencing using staples or zip ties.
To create a curved chicken tunnel, simply attach the wire fencing to the base using zip ties. Bend the fencing toward the opposite side of the base to create the desired curve. Make sure that the curve is gradual so that the chickens can easily walk through the tunnel.
Note:
When cutting wire fencing, be extra careful to avoid injury. Always use gloves and eye protection, and be aware of the risk of sharp edges. When cutting, use a slow, controlled motion to avoid accidents.
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The Backyard Farming Connection is a great resource for tips and tricks on starting your own backyard farm. You can check it out here.
