Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Muddy run

Collapse

X
Collapse
 
  • Page of 1
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
Previous template Next
  • #1

    Muddy run

    Hi all

    I have 5 chickens which live in a coup big enough for 6... They have a run that goes out by about 1.5m x 0.5m but which also goes under the run by about 0.5m... We also attached another metal run which is about 2.5m x 2.5m and has a hight of about 2'

    My problem is that the run is constantly getting muddy, I have tried to cover it but is then doesn't dry out, I have put sand in it but the chickens just seem to compact it...

    What should I do... Just need some advice...

    I don't really have any spare money ether...
    The Weeds are Winning...

    Sleep just let me Sleep...
    Tags: None
  • #2
    Wood/bark chippings but you will need a good depth as my birds do like to dig in it
    He who smiles in the face of adversity,has already decided who to blame

    Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity

    Comment

    • #3
      I've tried bark chipping before but they just seem to compact that in...
      The Weeds are Winning...

      Sleep just let me Sleep...

      Comment

      • #4
        The house may be big enough for 6 but the run certainly isn't. I suspect your problem is largely due to the run being too small and therefore ground is being trampled too heavily. Woodchip will help but it's no good just chucking it on top of the existing ground, you have to dig everything out, put in a drainage layer at the bottom if you live in a very wet area and backfill with woodchip to a depth of at least 6 inches. Alternatively if you have the space buy a length of electric poultry netting which is moveable so you can shift the hens onto fresh ground when they have exhausted the first patch.
        Last edited by RichmondHens; 14-04-2013, 05:09 PM.

        Comment

        • #5
          Originally posted by RichmondHens View Post
          The house may be big enough for 6 but the run certainly isn't. I suspect your problem is largely due to the run being too small and therefore ground is being trampled too heavily. Woodchip will help but it's no good just chucking it on top of the existing ground, you have to dig everything out, put in a drainage layer at the bottom if you live in a very wet area and backfill with woodchip to a depth of at least 6 inches. Alternatively if you have the space buy a length of electric poultry netting which is moveable so you can shift the hens onto fresh ground when they have exhausted the first patch.
          My thoughts exactly!
          My Majesty made for him a garden anew in order
          to present to him vegetables and all beautiful flowers.- Offerings of Thutmose III to Amon-Ra (1500 BCE)

          Diversify & prosper


          Comment

          • #6
            move the run if you can so that the ground can recover.
            if they stay on the same piece of ground continually they could end up getting ill, they need access to fresh ground if it is possible.
            Rita

            Comment

            • #7
              I have the same problem and have put some large logs and even a smallish pallet in the run to help keep them off the mud....the pallet has a solid top so good for them to stand on ive also paved the top area to try and keep things cleaner.....i also let them out of the run when i;m at home.
              The love of gardening is a seed once sown never dies ...

              Comment

              Previous template Next

              Latest Topics

              Collapse
              View All

              Recent Blog Posts

              Collapse
              View All
              Working...
              X