Coop & Run Bedding

[treefrogging]

That's nice to know that you can use straw in their nesting box; wasn't sure what to put in there. I use pine shavings on the floor but was also wondering about inexpensive alternatives for that - it gets sooo dusty!

 

[Tylexie]

Thanks for all the replies. I was also wondering what the best bedding was if I plan to use the Deep Litter Method?

 

[Beekissed]

15” drop in six feet? I envisioned a lot more. I assume you are making it 6 feet wide? Build a retaining wall on the bottom and fill it so it is level. On the upslope side build a berm to divert water so it does not go into the run. The problem with this is you will probably see erosion with the diverted water when it starts back downhill. There are different techniques to stop that erosion, usually involving rocks to break the force of the running water.

I'd do this one, with either stacked treated timbers or treated 3/4 in. plywood as your retaining wall. Then I'd put plenty of support along the sides as well, so you don't lose your bedding out the fence. I like easy, so just keeping your run open to weather and letting it follow the natural slope seems easiest, especially if using deep litter. With the retaining wall, it can't wash any further down the hill and you'll want that rain to help your bedding compost.

Thanks for all the replies. I was also wondering what the best bedding was if I plan to use the Deep Litter Method?

A variety works best, with different particle sizes and composting times. Since you are on a slope, you'll find most of your bedding will wind up on the deep end as the chickens always seem to like a level living area...but eventually that will even out and you can start to build upwards towards your coop until you have DL on the entire run area, deeper on one end than the other. If you have good sides on your run, pretty soon you won't remember that run is on a slope.

I use a variety of leaves(LOTS of those because I can get them free and they compost down very well...and bugs LOVE them), pine shavings, wood chips, twigs, straw, hay, pine needles and cones, corn stalks, corn cobs, weed trimmings, garden cleanout items, and just about anything else I can scavenge or rake up out of the yard...if it will compost, I throw it in there. In a run you have a lot of latitude because you have a lot of ventilation, so you can go hog wild and really have a ball in regards to materials you use, but it always, always works better if you have a wide variety and build it deep.