Can I use sand in my uncovered run or is there a better option?

[dashfox]

My husband just finished building a chicken run with a hardware cloth roof. The floor is currently dirt and I know it will become a muddy mess if we leave it that way. I'm considering construction sand but have heard others say that when the sad becomes wet it is a stinky mess. I'm searching for the most cost effective and easiest method to maintain as I'm sure you all can understand !

Thanks so much!

 

[Judy]

I don't have a small run like that, but I've read that sand works well in runs without grass, both to control odor and mud. You will need a barrier aorund the edges to keep the sand inside.

 

[apteryx]

I have read a number of posts about sand working well to address a muddy run. With all the rain we have had lately I have had some muddy areas develop. I have added sand to see how it works. At worst, it is looking like a good short term solution.

 

[c2chicks]

We have sand in part of our uncovered run and love it.) In the other part we have pine straw--I like that too, but it stays wet longer). Be sure to make it deep enough (4-6") and it wont stink. The girls keep it "raked" pretty well, the water drains beautifully. I sprinkle in a little Sweet PDZ (horse stall refresher) to keep it smelling nice. I only have 3 girls, I do go out once a day and scoop up the big poops--the rest gets turned under and disappears. I'm in NE Ohio and we have had days and days of rain, smell isn't a problem.

 

[TwoCrows]

Sand is the best thing since sliced bread! LOL It does not become sloppy and messy when wet. Exactly the opposite. The water drains thru it, and the chickens feet stay very clean, and so will yours. Sand is easy to clean, soft on foot pads, cool when wet and nearly eliminates all odors. I use it not only in my runs, but coops AND nest boxes. After a long night of chickens pooping, when I open up the coop in the morning, you would never know you were even IN a chicken coop.

 

[Brucepierce]

Hi Dashfox,
So we just went through your exact situation...I also have a hardware cloth roof open to a dirt floor....my birds have been outside since April now. We live in a suburb 45 mins outside Boston and the houses here are very close...both neighbors maybe 20 feet on each side...one neighbor not my biggest fan due to the amount of "activity"...building...chainsaws...wood splitter...small children and now chickens...the first two weeks were awful, all we could smell was chicken poop wafting across the yard blowing down hill to our neighbor....I was almost in a panic I thought we were going to have to get rid of the birds it was so bad, then I came here did some research and ordered 6 yards of mason sand...you can't smell anything now unless its rained for days then you'll get the slightest scent...but not bad just chickeny not poopy...it is awesome...PLUS....the poop disappears!! I have yet to clean my run or coop once!!! I love it....I'm running deep litter in my coop and same there....no unpleasant smells ...I just turn it with a shovel and done.....thats my experience so far...hope this helps, best of luck with your setup.

 

[teach1rusl]

As others have pointed out, the key is to make sure your sand is several inches deep, so you will need to box in the bottom of your run with 1x6s or something similar to keep the sand in. But IMO, sand is the way to go. Dirt turns to mud. Straw or bedding hold water/moisture forever, so mold often grows underneath. Sand drains well and dries quickly. Landscape fabric beneath can help maintain your sand, but isn't needed...