Another run question...

[ChickenMammX4]

Everyone has been so helpful so thank you in advance. Our run will be complete soon, right now it's grass but knowing that before long the ground will be bare I'm trying to decide if we should put down a sand base before letting the (6) chicks out or leave the grass and dirt for now, adding the sand later.

FYI, we have clay soil and it does rain often, except in late summer. I don't want a sloppy, smelling mess in a few weeks.

 

[Folly's place]

I would make sure that you have good drainage (sloped run) or it will be bad no matter what. You could put a solid roof over it, but the rains and snow will come, and it needs to be higher than the surrounding ground, and drain well. The birds will love the dirt and grass, and sand or gravel as a base will be better than clay. Deep litter (as mulch) would work fine too. Mary

 

[ChickenMammX4]

The run really isn't on "higher ground", as you can see the barn at the top of the pic sits higher but since we are using an existing shed as a coop, that can't be changed. The run will be completely covered.

 

[jetdog]

The run really isn't on "higher ground", as you can see the barn at the top of the pic sits higher but since we are using an existing shed as a coop, that can't be changed. The run will be completely covered.

You can put drain pipe and some stone around the run,have the pipe drain out in the corner facing the picture, looks like a down hill slope so it will drain freely.

 

[IttyBiddyRedHen]

My flocks run is a soggy mess right now. But at least it is on a slight slope, so it drains good for the most part. I try to add stuff when it gets this bad though. Straw, or in the summer, corn stalks, or sunflower stalks. Anything from the garden that doesn't break down right away. Just to get them out of the mud.

 

[Folly's place]

I also use pine shavings, sometimes right out of the coop, and then fresh in the coop. Mary