Chicken Runs...?

[ChicksinBoise]

Does anybody use hay in their run? What do you do with the semi composted hay and manure? I was thinking of laying hay down and then building a compost bin. Once the hay and manure builds up about 6 inchs or so, I could then throw it in the compost bin to recycle into dirt for the garden. I figure this might help keep down the smell and keep the area cleaner.

Does anybody do anything like this?

 

[justusnak]

We have a large pen for 33 of our chickens. It is probably 15 by 60. When I rake out the coop, ( we use straw) I throw it in the run....spread it out evenly. They chickens love to scratch through it, and it keeps the mud down. I have never noticed a smell in the run from doing this...and they "mulch" it for me. In the spring, DH will go in with the tiller, and till it all under. Thier run looks GREAT! When Fall comes....we will rake up a few wheelbarrow fulls, and throw it on the garden. This is a great dark brown/black "mulch" Hope this helps!

 

[ChicksinBoise]

Quote:
Thanks Deb, great idea on tilling it up!