Chicken run question

[ChickenDude12345]

So I have a 8 x 20 foot run and my 12 chicken have turned the place into a barren wasteland. I just kept though tall grass that was there and let them eat it. In the next two or three weeks I’m planning to free range most of the time. Should I put something on the ground in the run. I feel like if I put sand it will give them nothing to do? Should I just leave it if they’re gonna be out most of the time?

 

[Boise-girls]

What is your weather like, especially precipitation?

 

[3KillerBs]

Most people use some kind of litter in the run to keep odor, flies, and mud under control.

Coarse wood chips, the sort you get from a tree-trimming service, are often considered the gold standard for this application but any dry organic material that you have locally available can be used -- with different advantages and disadvantages.

Where, in general, are you located? Climate matters.

You can put it into your profile and people will be able to give you targeted advice to suit your conditions.

 

[ChickenDude12345]

What is your weather like, especially precipitation?

It rains occasionally but we have been in a sort of drought but it is starting to rain occasionally now

 

[ChickenDude12345]

Most people use some kind of litter in the run to keep odor, flies, and mud under control.

Coarse wood chips, the sort you get from a tree-trimming service, are often considered the gold standard for this application but any dry organic material that you have locally available can be used -- with different advantages and disadvantages.

Where, in general, are you located? Climate matters.

You can put it into your profile and people will be able to give you targeted advice to suit your conditions.

I live in northern nh

 

[aart]

Should I put something on the ground in the run.

I would say... Yes.
They may free range most the time, but might not if you have a predator event or during winter.

I live in northern nh

Here's how to add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!

 

[3KillerBs]

I live in northern nh

I don't have advice for cold climate chicken-keeping -- though I would expect that a good, thick layer of litter would help with the problem of a winter's worth of frozen poop all thawing at once in the spring. I suggest that you go to your state thread and get advice from people who know your conditions intimately.

Here's the NH thread: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/new-hampshire.357963/

And here is BYC best cold-weather chickeneering article: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/cold-weather-poultry-housing-and-care.72010/

 

[aart]

though I would expect that a good, thick layer of litter would help with the problem of a winter's worth of frozen poop all thawing at once in the spring.

Indeed it does.

 

[ChickenDude12345]

I would say... Yes.
They may free range most the time, but might not if you have a predator event or during winter.



Here's how to add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!
View attachment 2761768

Awesome thanks a lot

 

[ChickenDude12345]

I don't have advice for cold climate chicken-keeping -- though I would expect that a good, thick layer of litter would help with the problem of a winter's worth of frozen poop all thawing at once in the spring. I suggest that you go to your state thread and get advice from people who know your conditions intimately.

Here's the NH thread: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/new-hampshire.357963/

And here is BYC best cold-weather chickeneering article: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/cold-weather-poultry-housing-and-care.72010/

Thanks!