Kimky374
In the Brooder
Hi everyone,
Hoping I can get some help with my coop. The bottom of the run that sees all the elements is now dirt (mud when it rains) now theyve destroyed what usdd to be grass lol. It sees all weather here in Penrith, NSW, Aus. The dirts been fine up until recently when we’ve been hit with severe thunderstorms constantly lately. Now it is disgusting smelling mud and i fear it will be detrimental to my girls if i dont grt this sorted asap. Straw smells BAD when it gets wet and wood shavings im worried will mould. We are thinking sand but wondering if it has to be a certain sand? Is it like sandpit sand?? We are in NSW Australia so I need to be able to find the suggestions easily here as I have no way of travelling long distances easily. Thank you!
Hoping I can get some help with my coop. The bottom of the run that sees all the elements is now dirt (mud when it rains) now theyve destroyed what usdd to be grass lol. It sees all weather here in Penrith, NSW, Aus. The dirts been fine up until recently when we’ve been hit with severe thunderstorms constantly lately. Now it is disgusting smelling mud and i fear it will be detrimental to my girls if i dont grt this sorted asap. Straw smells BAD when it gets wet and wood shavings im worried will mould. We are thinking sand but wondering if it has to be a certain sand? Is it like sandpit sand?? We are in NSW Australia so I need to be able to find the suggestions easily here as I have no way of travelling long distances easily. Thank you!
if it's safe for kids to eat, the chickens should survive it too
from another newbie Aussie! I'm in Canberra and am using the deep litter method in a covered run and it's working really well for me. We haven't noticed any increase in flies or smells, despite the record-breaking heatwaves we've been having. To use this method you need a good 30cm of mixed size/variety of organic materials, so bark chips from shredded trees, weeds, fallen leaves, pea-straw or similar from Bunnings/stockfeed supplier, or anything else you can get your hands on! Keep adding material to the run and they'll have a great time scratching through it which helps entertain them. The size of the run is important, as it won't work if you overstock. I'd also strongly recommend covering your run. There's some great info on the deep litter method here: 
