Building Run From Scratch

[shammock112]

Hi, I am building a new run on a sloped area of my yard. I have brought in a load of hard packed clay to level the slope flat. My question is that since I am building from scratch what would be a good foundation to layer over the hard packed fill I used to level the area. I have a load of fresh Pine chips given to me from a Tree Cutting company and a load of Orange Sand. The Pine chips came from a wood chipper and as we all know the chipper was feed limbs with all the pine needles and cones added. The Sand is Orange because there are some traces of Clay mixed in but it is clump free of hard Clay.

I used the Clay to level the slope and thought about using the Pine Mulch to create a 4 inch layer on top of the Clay base to fine tune leveling of the area. I thought of adding a layer of Landscape Fabric over the Mulch and finishing the top layer with 4 inches of Sand.

I would build the Run on top with Wire Fence around the parameter to prevent critters from digging under the Run.

I propose this layering because first of all I already have the Pine Mulch and Sand on hand. My reasoning was the Pine Mulch layer on top of the Hard Clay base would offer better draining and thermal warmth. The Landscape fabric between the Pine Mulch and Sand would prevent the sand from migrating in the Sand.

Does anyone see why this is a flawed Idea?

 

[21hens-incharge]

Chickens love to dig and they can dig quite deeply. The landscape fabric will be a hazard once they dig it up. Digging it up will only take a minute or two.

Moisture wicked down through the sand can allow the mulch to mold as well.

My mulched run stays mold free by that dry material being the top layer that the chickens turn regularly with their scratching.

 

[Rldad1]

Since you are building up layers, it is not necessary to use landscape cloth. Just build your layers.

 

[3KillerBs]

Welcome to BYC.

Are you putting a roof on your run or just fencing in an open or wire-topped area?

In the latter case, leveling isn't necessary at all and not *really* necessary in the former case if the slope permits you to just put taller posts on the downhill side.

I'm concerned about the clay -- which would have been just about my last choice of material to use in a chicken facility. Wet clay = MUD. Thick, sticky, mud clinging to everything.

Then, in dry conditions, clay + sand may create adobe.

I hope the organic layer mixes in well enough to keep things loose.

Chickens love to dig and they can dig quite deeply. The landscape fabric will be a hazard once they dig it up. Digging it up will only take a minute or two.

I agree wholeheartedly.

My chickens have been known to dig deep enough to sink to the level of their backs in single day. Have a look at this thread: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/excavation-by-birds-a-word-of-warning.1086535/

 

[aart]

I used the Clay to level the slope

How big was the slope, and does it still have some slope for drainage?
Pics would help here.

I'd also nix the fabric.

Oh, and... Welcome to BYC! @shammock112
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!