Coop run is just dirt

[m_shuman]

Mine was dirt and I got tired of the mud so I put down about 2" of sand everywhere and it is much better. I can eaisly rake up the poo and leftover treats that are on the floor of the run.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Quote:
It depends on your circumstances, smell being the most important. If what you are currently doing is keeping the smell down to where it is acceptable, you are doing OK. Any of them will smell some if they get wet, but even if they are wet you can do some things to help, like get it drier. Pat's article may help if that is a problem.

Pat’s Big Ol' Mud Page (fixing muddy runs):
https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=1642-fix-a-muddy-run

Space per chicken in the run (and coop) is a factor. If you are near the minimum, you have to do more than those of us that have lots of space. I never rake mine, but I have plenty of extra space. I also put it on a slight rise so it drains pretty well and build a swale just above it to make sure any rain water does not go in the run but is diverted around it.

The chickens love digging in the dirt. They can find grit and just love those dust baths. There is nothing wrong with just dirt. Sand is also great. But if smell is a problem, read Pat's article.

Good luck!