Protection Pen Timber Sleepers & Woodchip packs
To create a permanent site for your chickens - and to save you having to move the pen every few weeks - why not consider this package to make a secure (fox-proof), level surface for your Pen by raising it on a timber plinth and filling the inside surface with woodchip. It is not necessary to remove the grass inside or to put 'teram' down first before adding the woodchip. The birds will snap any grass growth off as it comes through, and it will also allow them the scratch about to find worms. They will quite happily move the woodchip from one end of the pen to the other all day long.
The Timber Sleepers don't have to be set down or dug into the ground, they are just as effective placed on top of the grass/ground - although, you may find you need to dig them in to make them level (spirit level advised), and making them level is important to the stability of the Protection Pen.
The hardwood woodchip is an excellent, hygienic, surface for the birds - almost self-cleaning. Just wash through with a garden hose - if the rain hasn't been able to do the job for you - refresh with new perhaps twice a year, and you can liberally scatter some powder disinfectant e.g. FSF Run Sanitiser, over it once a month to keep it clean and smelling fresh. Much more healthy than bare soil for the birds, and much less smelly too. The woodchip can be placed directly on to the ground, we do not recommend a geotextile underlay.
The packs contain a set of pressure treated timbers, 10in x 5in (250mm x 125mm), and several bags of hardwood woodchip to create a clean, perfect surface for the hens. The sleepers (as shown, are softwood tanalised, not oak) will be cut to the lengths required and will come with a layout plan to aid placement. Max. length of any single sleeper is 4ft to make them easier to handle. If you would like to see a pre-purchase copy of the layout plan, which includes all exact dimensions, so you can check its size please just call or email us.
|