Clean chicken run?

[kentislandchickens]

Hi everyone, I am new here - from MD with 5 red star hens. We've had our little ladies for about 2-3 weeks and the run is starting to look bad (brown and lots of poop) - knew this was going to happen but I am wondering if we need to clean it out or rake it?
Thank you!

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

A little more information, specifically the size of the area, whether it is fixed or will be moved (tractor style), etc will help. They're are several ways to approach run maintenance, but not all work for every situation.

 

[kentislandchickens]

The run is about 4' x 7' and it is fixed - here is a pic from our first day with the ladies.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

My first suggestion is to read up on the deep litter method (dlm) by searching it here in the site as there are several good discussions on it. Is what I use and love. No smell, no muss, no fuss....ridiculously easy upkeep

 

[Noaskye]

Hi everyone, I am new here - from MD with 5 red star hens. We've had our little ladies for about 2-3 weeks and the run is starting to look bad (brown and lots of poop) - knew this was going to happen but I am wondering if we need to clean it out or rake it?
Thank you!

I'm in MD too!! What kind of bedding do you have in the coop? I use fine pine shavings and clean the poop trays & stray droppings with a kitty litter scoop & bucket. I do the same in the run and clean them both a couple times a week and throw some fresh mint in to keep flies out and everything smelling good.

 

[TalkALittle]

I haven't cleaned my run in over 2 years. Not since I started creating a deep litter in the run.

 

[ChickenMammX4]

My first suggestion is to read up on the deep litter method (dlm) by searching it here in the site as there are several good discussions on it. Is what I use and love. No smell, no muss, no fuss....ridiculously easy upkeep

Ditto

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome! x3 on the deep litter! Your coop and run are very cute, but some upgrades in the critter protection and coop ventilation would be good. Mary