Another sand question

[Iluveggers]

I didn’t find anything exactly matching my scenario in a search, so here goes!

My run is covered. It is on clay dirt, and I add dry leaves and soiled coop pine shavings on occasion. It is very dry, even after days of rain, which is great.

The run is parallel to my vegetable garden, with a 2-3 foot walkway in between. It is convenient when I want to let the girls in to forage and glean. The walkway itself has gotten rather muddy since the chickens have eaten most of the grass there when out of the run, and my constant walking on it. DH thought he would be helpful and add a layer of sand over the walkway that we had left over from a porch project when he was outside working in the yard today.

Is there any concern about wet sand in the walkway over muddy clay? The hens have access to the walkway daily when I let them out for an hour or two.

Should I add stones or pavers on top? Woodchips or mulch? Or small stones? I don’t want it higher than the run or the garden, or all the water will seep into those areas.

Thanks so much!

 

[azygous]

I have clay soil. I know you'll agree that wet clay has amazing adhesive properties. Deep enough clay mud and you're glued in place.

But I have good news. Sand will bind with the clay and neutralize most of the stickiness of the clay.

Go for it!

 

[Iluveggers]

I have clay soil. I know you'll agree that wet clay has amazing adhesive properties. Deep enough clay mud and you're glued in place.

But I have good news. Sand will bind with the clay and neutralize most of the stickiness of the clay.

Go for it!

Thanks! Will give it a shot!