Chicken Run-- what's in it?

[Sierra Hughes]

I have grass in it now.. but before long it'll just be dirt. What do you guys put in your chicken run?

In best boxes I put hay. I put pine shavings in the coop. But what in the whole run? It's a 18x18.

 

[Kiki]

Dirt is good.
Deep litter method is better.

 

[Sierra Hughes]

Dirt is good.
Deep litter method is better.

I am sorry, I'm a new chicken mom. Can you explain deep litter method?

 

[Kiki]

Short version...
Throw everything in there and let the chickens dig and scratch in it, they break it down.
I prefer hay and dried leaves.

Long answer:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/search/2231766/?q=Deep+litter&o=date&c[title_only]=1

 

[blackdog043]

Here's a good video on DLM

 

[nenebynature]

I'm just in the first month of my DLM and I am already noticing a significant decrease in the amount of flies and odor. I rarely have to turn the straw/debris. The chooks do almost all the work. Awesome. Thanks to byc for all the great info!!

 

[Kiki]

I'm just in the first month of my DLM and I am already noticing a significant decrease in the amount of flies and odor. I rarely have to turn the straw/debris. The chooks do almost all the work. Awesome. Thanks to byc for all the great info!!

I mentioned to someone the other day that I did NOT have flies in my yard..they really did not believe me.
I never put two and two together until your post.
Before when I did not use the DLM I did have flies.

WOW.

 

[nenebynature]

I mentioned to someone the other day that I did NOT have flies in my yard..they really did not believe me.
I never put two and two together until your post.
Before when I did not use the DLM I did have flies.

WOW.

It is really incredible how big a difference it had made for me and the girls.

 

[barred2rock]

I too use the DLM, but with straw. Straw is just what's most easily available here.

 

[Almost Acre]

Throw any organic material in there (leaves, wood chips, grass clippings, etc) and have the chickens turn it into great soil/compost. I'll often just go into the run and sift some of the material into a bucket, and spread it on the plants. Just try and pick out any fresh poops in it.