Do you Clean out poop from the run?

[SamIamNam786]

Curious to know if you all clean out poop from the run? I added pine bark nuggets and mix it around and it seems to be ok for now. Today, the edges of the run are getting muddy bc of the rain coming in from the sides. I'm reading to use pelletized bedding, but then it turns to sawdust. Are ppl picking out poop from it or just turning it often and letting everything just eventually become one with the dirt floor?

 

[The Birb King]

I do sometimes but it's a lot of work and seems pretty pointless as it will just be replaced. However I do sometimes put a fresh layer of sand in the run if it's too muddy, and that works well for a year or so

 

[SamIamNam786]

I do sometimes bit it's a lot of work and seems pretty pointless as it will just be replaced. However I do sometimes put a fresh layer if sand in the run if it's too muddy, and that works well for a little while

Sand over the dirt, or over the pellets? Do they take dust baths with the pellets?.

 

[The Birb King]

Sand over the dirt, or over the pellets? Do they take dust baths with the pellets?.

I don't know anything about pellets I've never used them. I just put sand over the dirt and mud

 

[StinkyAcres]

I don't clean out the run. It's best to keep adding things like wood chips on top to let the poop filter down to the bottom. All of it will break down eventually and new bedding can be added on top again. You just don't want to add something that will mold easily.

 

[The Birb King]

I think I might try woodchips in the run next year but I'm not sure

 

[SamIamNam786]

I don't clean out the run. It's best to keep adding things like wood chips on top to let the poop filter down to the bottom. All of it will break down eventually and new bedding can be added on top again. You just don't want to add something that will mold easily.

Do pellets mold easily?.or is it ok as long as I use a rake to turn it every few days? In 1.5 months time, I haven't cleaned out the run. Just added top soil or pine bark nuggets. Wondering if pellets are my next choice. I also have a huge bag of pine shavings.

 

[StinkyAcres]

I think I might try woodchips in the run next year but I'm not sure

I've read that the wood chips (not shavings!) need to be aged, I think at least a year before it can be safe for the chickens.

 

[The Birb King]

I've read that the wood chips (not shavings!) need to be aged, I think at least a year before it can be safe for the chickens.

No I mean natural woodchips, straight out of the woodchipper

 

[StinkyAcres]

Do pellets mold easily?.or is it ok as long as I use a rake to turn it every few days? In 1.5 months time, I haven't cleaned out the run. Just added top soil or pine bark nuggets. Wondering if pellets are my next choice. I also have a huge bag of pine shavings.

I don't have experience with the pellets, sorry! I do know that things like hay, straw, and leaves can mold easily if they get wet. I would think pine shavings wouldn't last very long.