Coop run ground cover

[aart]

Ok well if u do the deep litter method u have to clean it out once a year or more and u don't have to turn it or dig through it to get the manure the chickens turn through it and helps it decompose

No..... you don't ever have to clean it out.


Here's a great description of contents and how to manage organic 'litter' in a run or coop...and there's a great video of what it looks like.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1037998/muddy-run-help-please#post_16017992

 

[Chicken Egg 17]

Yes u don't but @Kwcoop said they have a garden so they could put it in there then but wouldn't it just build up over time

 

[aart]

Yes u don't but @Kwcoop said they have a garden so they could put it in there then but wouldn't it just build up over time

But you don't have to as your post implied.

 

[Chicken Egg 17]

But if u don't clean it out wouldn't it just build up as I would like to do this also and just now thought of that

 

[aart]

But if u don't clean it out wouldn't it just build up as I would like to do this also and just now thought of that

It's actually more likely to break down and lose volume, rather than build up to a greater volume.....if it's got a good balance of browns and greens.

 

[kickassgirl]

I have used sand in mine the last 2 years and also getting tired of the clean up. I plan on planting a mix of fescue grass and wild flowers this spring for a softer look.

 

[RonP]

It's actually more likely to break down and lose volume, rather than build up to a greater volume.....if it's got a good balance of browns and greens.

Absolutely.

And if it is not a good balance:

too many greens, it may smell (add browns). Chicken manure is a green.
too many browns, takes longer to break down, not necessarily a bad thing, unless your objective is to make compost.

 

[Chicken Egg 17]

Well what would be more Browns and greens could u list a few of each please thanks

 

[RonP]

Here is a good starting list:

Browns

• Fall leaves
• Hay & straw, cornstalks
• Shredded cardboard & newspaper (newspaper inks are soy-based which are OK)
• Paper plates, bags, towels
• Chipped brush, sticks, twigs, branches, bark
• Sawdust
• Pine needles (but not more than 10% of the pile)

Greens

• Vegetable & fruit wastes
• Eggshells
• Coffee grounds, filters, & teabags
• Horse, cow, rabbit, chicken, gerbil, goat, sheep, rabbit, pig manure
• Weeds without weed seeds & other yard waste (without chemicals)
• Grass clippings (but not if you use harmful chemicals on your grass!)
• Seaweed (give it a good soak to remove excess salt)

 

[Chicken Egg 17]

Ok thanks once I move the chicken coop lower the chicken coop and build the nesting boxes I will try some of those things thanks I hope u don't mind me asking this in ur thread @Kwcoop