Are pine shavings necessary in the run?

[Idaho Chicken Bungalow]

Just a quick suggestion, if you do collect leaves make sure they are dry as to prevent mold. This is if you are going to save them in garbage bags and add to the run at a later time.

 

[K0k0shka]

Just a quick suggestion, if you do collect leaves make sure they are dry as to prevent mold. This is if you are going to save them in garbage bags and add to the run at a later time.

This, and also make sure to use paper bags, not plastic, so the leaves can "breathe" and dry out if the bags get wet. They'll steam up in a plastic bag and likely mold, as it's hard to ensure they are 100% dry when you collect them. I collect around 20-30 bags each fall and store them on top of wood pallets under the back porch, where they aren't in direct rain but it's open on the front so they get snowed on from the side and rain blows in on them. They dry pretty quickly once the sun comes out though (the pallets really help with drainage, so the bags aren't sitting in water), and I haven't had mold issues. One downside to paper bags is if you don't use them the first year, after a while they start to break down... So lift gently at first and make sure the bottom is still attached, before you heave the whole thing up and dump it on yourself out the bottom

 

[TooCheep]

Just a quick suggestion, if you do collect leaves make sure they are dry as to prevent mold. This is if you are going to save them in garbage bags and add to the run at a later time.

^Definitely this. Try to store only well-dried leaves in the garbage bags.

Very nice looking run. My solution to excess water is to attach clear plastic (drop cloth-type) to the prevailing wind side of the run. Some water gets in from the other sides, but it reduces water penetration by 80-90% with minimal impact on ventilation and elimination of mud as a problem.

Keeping the leaves in the bags dry is important because the chickens will break down the leaves over time and you will want to add more. I empty my run twice/year and collect excellent compost for use in gardens.

 

[Idaho Chicken Bungalow]

^Definitely this. Try to store only well-dried leaves in the garbage bags.

Very nice looking run. My solution to excess water is to attach clear plastic (drop cloth-type) to the prevailing wind side of the run. Some water gets in from the other sides, but it reduces water penetration by 80-90% with minimal impact on ventilation and elimination of mud as a problem.

Keeping the leaves in the bags dry is important because the chickens will break down the leaves over time and you will want to add more. I empty my run twice/year and collect excellent compost for use in gardens.

Clear plastic shower curtains I hear work great, I'm going to try this because of the ease of putting them up.

 

[Faithful flock]

Wow beautiful run. Because your run is covered you can try pine pellets/saw dust. This method does require raking and scooping poop but it's not terrible.

Thank you!
Ooo I'll look into that!

 

[3KillerBs]

This, and also make sure to use paper bags, not plastic, so the leaves can "breathe" and dry out if the bags get wet. They'll steam up in a plastic bag and likely mold, as it's hard to ensure they are 100% dry when you collect them. I collect around 20-30 bags each fall and store them on top of wood pallets under the back porch, where they aren't in direct rain but it's open on the front so they get snowed on from the side and rain blows in on them. They dry pretty quickly once the sun comes out though (the pallets really help with drainage, so the bags aren't sitting in water), and I haven't had mold issues. One downside to paper bags is if you don't use them the first year, after a while they start to break down... So lift gently at first and make sure the bottom is still attached, before you heave the whole thing up and dump it on yourself out the bottom

You should write an article on this. It would be very helpful for anyone who lives in an area with deciduous trees.

 

[Faithful flock]

You should write an article on this. It would be very helpful for anyone who lives in an area with deciduous trees.

Agree!

 

[K0k0shka]

You should write an article on this. It would be very helpful for anyone who lives in an area with deciduous trees.

Agree!

Aww thanks for the vote of confidence guys! I haven't written any articles yet... But maybe I should!

 

[3KillerBs]

Aww thanks for the vote of confidence guys! I haven't written any articles yet... But maybe I should!

I didn't know that you were supposed to use paper bags to store leaves. You should do it and share your experience.

 

[K0k0shka]

I didn't know that you were supposed to use paper bags to store leaves. You should do it and share your experience.

I will! I'll get some photos, too. It's that time of year, so I'll get an article up before it's too late so people have time to gather and save their leaves.