Another newbie winterizing question. In Wisconsin.

[Debbie292d]

I did put down a thin layer of pellets under the pine shavings in the coop and a bunch in the run. I’ll get more pellets and really layer them up. Thanks for the tip!

If your run isn't covered, I personally wouldn't put pellets out there unless you want the sawdust it becomes. That's nice as it's dust-free. It's just that I think it would be wet most of the time and take a long time to dry out.

We bought sod for our breeding pens, and when that gets mucky, we put a thin layer of straw on top.

Here's a post about ideas for what to use in a run.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/constructing-run-floor.1666995/

 

[Pickle12]

If your run isn't covered, I personally wouldn't put pellets out there unless you want the sawdust it becomes. That's nice as it's dust-free. It's just that I think it would be wet most of the time and take a long time to dry out.

We bought sod for our breeding pens, and when that gets mucky, we put a thin layer of straw on top.

Here's a post about ideas for what to use in a run.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/constructing-run-floor.1666995/

Perfect, thanks! My husband put down natural mulch in part of it but it seems so sharp and not so cozy. I worry about bumblefoot. The spot we moved them to was a little muddy when we moved them so I just spot treated the run with the pellets. It’s sawdust already. I used sand when they are on top of the hill and that was great but it seems like it would be so cold in the winter.

The thought of just splurging on a small greenhouse to put the coop in and allow for space to roam crossed my mind.