Helpful hints for maintaining run

[Matejka]

I'm cleaning my run out. Random thoughts
If you think it's a good idea-its not.
Wear gloves
Always wear layers of clothes. Pants over shorts long sleeve over tank/t-shirt.
Remember where you shed your clothes
Never ever add more than 2-3 inches of pine needles.
It's easier to add than subtract
Never rake a pile and leave in coop til tomorrow
Chickens don't scatter pine needles BUT will scatter the pile you raked yesterday.
Run needles do not burn as well as needles from Yard.
Make absolutely sure burn pile is out 2 days after burn.
Mow yard every 3-4 days after 6 days-bale your hay.

 

[Matejka]

Another pile ready to rake out. 3/4 done. I've burned 5 piles, this time I'm scattering it behind around coop, where I don't mow. I have found 2 cinderblocks in the pine needles-they didn't rake very easy.

 

[3KillerBs]

Run needles do not burn as well as needles from Yard.
Make absolutely sure burn pile is out 2 days after burn.

You're burning them instead of composting them? Why?

 

[Matejka]

You're burning them instead of composting them? Why?

Too many. I still have a yard full of pine needles to clean up.

 

[Matejka]

 

[Percheron chick]

You're burning them instead of composting them? Why?

This just makes me cry.

Too many. I still have a yard full of pine needles to clean up.

Too many reasons NOT to burn.

 

[Matejka]

This pile is being scattered around coop. Not burned. I do try to use compost as much as I can, but I can use only so much, you are very welcome to come get as much as you want anytime.

 

[Matejka]

My to be done

 

[3KillerBs]

Too many. I still have a yard full of pine needles to clean up.

Personally, I leave my pine straw in the coop and run until the chickens have it well on the way to compost already.

We also use it as mulch for our fruit trees and grapevines.

The finish compost goes into the garden, orchard, etc.

Our soil is sooooo very awful I can't get enough organic material into it.

 

[Hip Hillbilly Acres]

Too many. I still have a yard full of pine needles to clean up.

Last minute I decided to use our fallen pine needles for the coop. Initially I had planned on buying hemp. Pulleaze, the size of that coop NO WAAAY could I have afforded hemp. One day I am going to sit down and add up all my chicken related receipts (nooooot, I'd probably get depressed).

Now, I have decided upon hay or straw. I think it a bit more affordable and I read it is compostable.