Best bedding for wet climates?

[shmccarthy]

My run floor used to be grass, but of course that didn't last too long. I started putting down pine shavings to keep the ground from getting muddy and their feathers cleaner, but due to the location of my coop, even if it only rains a little bit, it gets really wet in there. Moving the coop is not an option and neither is constructing a new one. I was wondering what a good bedding to use in the run is? I need something that won't get soggy or stay wet if possible. If its fairly inexpensive, I could replace it often too.
Also, I usually free range my chickens so they don't have to be in the run all the time, but after 2 fox attacks in the last week, I am keeping them in until I can take care if the fox.

 

[speedy2020]

Make sure the run ground and coop is higher than surround area. The sand run work well. The water sip through the sand and keep the run & coop area dry.

 

[shmccarthy]

How would I go by raising the run area? It's in a lower part of my yard down a small hill. Is there something I can put in there to raise it up maybe a layer of gravel then sand on top?

 

[speedy2020]

How would I go by raising the run area? It's in a lower part of my yard down a small hill. Is there something I can put in there to raise it up maybe a layer of gravel then sand on top?

You have to make other area lower than the coop and the run by adding 1-2 of dirt so the water run off or dig a trance and direct the water to other part outside the coop/run. You can also dig about 6" deep around the run/coop and put PVC sewer drainage pipe then cover with sand/grave. The hay, mulch, and wood chips don't last and sting up real bad during raining season. I have my setup here that would give you some ideas.
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https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/537861/automatic-feeder-attached-to-the-coop

Sewer drainage pipe with holes
http://www.ipexamerica.com/Content/Products/Product.aspx?ProductId=100&

 

[shmccarthy]

I really like the idea of the PVC drainage pipes. I also really like your set up, did you make it yourself? It looks really nice. I'll have to look into doing that asap. Where's a good place to get sand for the coop? I can't afford anything too expensive, but would still like to get fairly good sand.

 

[Jordi15]

I just bought 1 and 1/2 ton of concrete sand from a concrete and materials place for $26. At this place they load it in the truck for you. Usually the same place where you would order gravel or river rock

 

[shmccarthy]

Oh wow that's pretty good, I think there's a few by my house so I'll have to call them and see what their pricings are. I didn't know if there or somewhere like Lowes or Home Depot would have something like that. But I'll check that. That's definitely a do able price and that seems like a pretty good thing to use. Thanks!

 

[Jordi15]

Home depot and Lowe's sells it in 50 lb bags but I have no idea about the price... I use sand in my coop, run, and my duck house. My coop is 6' X 4' my run is 12' X 16' and a tiny duck house maybe 4' by 2' and 1 and 1/2 ton covered it all with a little to spare. They load it in the truck with a loader and just dump it in your truck bed... So that means shoveling and "wheel barrowing" it but I couldbt beat $26... Its worth the workout.

 

[speedy2020]

I really like the idea of the PVC drainage pipes. I also really like your set up, did you make it yourself? It looks really nice. I'll have to look into doing that asap. Where's a good place to get sand for the coop? I can't afford anything too expensive, but would still like to get fairly good sand.

I built that box coop and the run myself. The whole thing cost me around $75. The shipping box, chain link fence, and sand are free. If you live just south of Seattle, there are plenty of sand in the bag available this year.

 

[Ohgrr]

Putting a few inches of gravel under the bedding should help too. The pvc drain pipes are common in the construction books I've read for moving water away from a site so that is always a good option.