Best base material for runs

[hollyannlamb]

What do you feel is the best base to put in a run? Right now we just have dirt and I have put down shavings occasionally. Our chickens are out free range on four acres during the day and only locked up at night or when the weather is so bad they don't want out. However, when it has been snowy or rainy, I am getting really dirty eggs and would like to put something down that is healthy for their feet and will help keep the eggs clean. Then hen house has a wooden floor covered in about 2 inch deep shavings.

 

[chicmom]

I've tried just about everything for the chicken run, and the very best thing to use is sand. It is inexpensive, it drains well, with no mud, and you can rake it out. Plus the chickens like to dust bathe in it. I buy mine by the front end loader scoop, at a sand and gravel place for around $15.00. And you get alot!

 

[Robinkay1]

I am also setting up my run and will go with the sand base, as most folks seem to like this. My question: what do you sprinkle on the sand for the chickens to peck at? My hens will be in the run most of the day/not free ranging, so I wanted them to have access to grass, worms, etc... as well.

Suggestions?

 

[hollyannlamb]

I've tried just about everything for the chicken run, and the very best thing to use is sand. It is inexpensive, it drains well, with no mud, and you can rake it out. Plus the chickens like to dust bathe in it. I buy mine by the front end loader scoop, at a sand and gravel place for around $15.00. And you get alot!

Thank you! I'm going to see if I can find somewhere to buy a pickup load of sand.

 

[paxinospullets]

I am soon putting, for the first time EVER (newbie here),in a similar run. I like the sand idea but would like them to have access to bugs, worms, grass, etc. Maybe part sand/part grass?

 

[hollyannlamb]

I am soon putting, for the first time EVER (newbie here),in a similar run. I like the sand idea but would like them to have access to bugs, worms, grass, etc. Maybe part sand/part grass?

If I had grass in the run, I wouldn't put the sand in. I've had chickens in this run for over 7 years and it's just dirt. So, when it rains or the snow is melting, it's just mud. Ugh. Luckily, mine can be free range from morning until they put themselves to bed.

 

[B-Goock]

My run was weeds when I built it and not long after it was dirt. I also had the same problem with mud. My solution was to throw hay/straw when available and any yard clippings/leaves in the run. The next thing was I put a simple sheet metal roof over half the run. They are happy to stay in the dry part when it rains.

 

[paxinospullets]

Thank you for your input. I appreciate any and all ideas.

 

[Blooie]

I was talked into the Deep Litter Method in my run. I had already started it in the coop. I haven't regretted it. When it rains a quick rake to "fluff' it and it dries quickly - besides, good composting takes a little moisture to work. Since the base of the floor is just the dirt and grass that were there when we built, microbes can break down the DL well. We have three shades made of landscape fabric over the hoops and it helps shed most rain, plus it doesn't fight the wind like tarps do. The run gets damp, but not soaked. I use pine shavings, some grass clippings, leaves - whatever's handy.

 

[Robinkay1]

This is obviously a newbie question: can't you put 2-3 inches of sand over a dirt run? Or does it all mud together? My run will be at the back edge of my lawn, so will apparently be dirt in no time. What should I use?