Coop run flooring, NSW

[Kimky374]

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!

 

[ButtonquailGirl14]

I would put some sand or sawdust in the run.

 

[Kimky374]

I would put some sand or sawdust in the run.

Im thinking sand too, but not sure if theres a special type?? Would it be playsand like you get for childrens sandpits??

 

[ButtonquailGirl14]

Im thinking sand too, but not sure if theres a special type?? Would it be playsand like you get for childrens sandpits??

should be fine if it's safe for kids to eat, the chickens should survive it too

 

[Ribh]

You could try hemp. It absorbs smells & moisture & can go in the compost. Some of your deluges might wash the sand away.

 

[AussieJen]

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: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/muddy-run-help-please.1037998/#post-16017992, and lots of other info on this forum. Whatever you choose to do I wish you all the best with your chicken adventure and hope you find this forum helpful

 

[Ribh]

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: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/muddy-run-help-please.1037998/#post-16017992, and lots of other info on this forum. Whatever you choose to do I wish you all the best with your chicken adventure and hope you find this forum helpful

Yes, I deep litter too with Hemp in the coop & nesting boxes & have very little smell. The girls get very excited when they see I'm about to add something to the run.

 

[aart]

Sand will stink just as bad as 'dirt'.....maybe not right away, but sooner or later.
Larger chunks of wood chippings a few inches deep is best IMO....
....but not sure you can get them there.