celloriffic
In the Brooder
- Oct 17, 2017
- 8
- 18
- 34
Hello!
I would love any advice from those of you in dry climates. I'm a new chicken owner since June, and inherited a flock of 8 chickens. My coop and run are on the side of the house in what used to be RV parking for the previous owners. It's about a 12 x 40 ft concrete slab (I'd really like to remove when possible, but for now, that's the best spot we have). I put dirt in the coop, and in a 4 x 4 dust bathing area. We are adding more dirt as we change the yard, and I'm adding leaves and plan to add wood chips in hopes of making the ground more natural for them and better on their feet.
This summer we had more rain than usual, and the coop and run stayed really nice (it's protected from the rain, so there was no problem with mud and puddles). Now that we're back to our regular super dry weather, the coop and run are getting really dusty. It's uncomfortable for me when I clean it, so I imagine it may be too dusty for the chickens. (Or is it? They LOVE their dust bathing spot). I've started to hose down the run about every other day, but it doesn't seem right to wet the dirt inside the coop. Should I just hose it down? It's so dry here, I doubt the dirt will even stay wet all day, but it seems that would be making for a potentially unhealthy environment.
Or, should I ditch the dirt all together? I've read a lot on here about deep litter method, but it mentions the need for some moisture to get it going and composting properly. I also really like to be able to get the poop out with a litter scoop, but I want what's best for the chickens.
I'd also like to try composting in the run, but have a few question about that. Since it's so dry, do I hose it down all the time? Also, if the chickens are scratching in it all the time, how does it have time to compost? I have set up an area where I can keep them away from the compost area if I need to. Lastly, is it bad for them to be scratching around in a pile of dry poop and leaves?
I'd love any advice! I've scoured the forums and articles, and it seems a lot of the advice is more focused on controlling and reducing moisture. This sight has been so helpful! Thank you for any help.
I would love any advice from those of you in dry climates. I'm a new chicken owner since June, and inherited a flock of 8 chickens. My coop and run are on the side of the house in what used to be RV parking for the previous owners. It's about a 12 x 40 ft concrete slab (I'd really like to remove when possible, but for now, that's the best spot we have). I put dirt in the coop, and in a 4 x 4 dust bathing area. We are adding more dirt as we change the yard, and I'm adding leaves and plan to add wood chips in hopes of making the ground more natural for them and better on their feet.
This summer we had more rain than usual, and the coop and run stayed really nice (it's protected from the rain, so there was no problem with mud and puddles). Now that we're back to our regular super dry weather, the coop and run are getting really dusty. It's uncomfortable for me when I clean it, so I imagine it may be too dusty for the chickens. (Or is it? They LOVE their dust bathing spot). I've started to hose down the run about every other day, but it doesn't seem right to wet the dirt inside the coop. Should I just hose it down? It's so dry here, I doubt the dirt will even stay wet all day, but it seems that would be making for a potentially unhealthy environment.
Or, should I ditch the dirt all together? I've read a lot on here about deep litter method, but it mentions the need for some moisture to get it going and composting properly. I also really like to be able to get the poop out with a litter scoop, but I want what's best for the chickens.
I'd also like to try composting in the run, but have a few question about that. Since it's so dry, do I hose it down all the time? Also, if the chickens are scratching in it all the time, how does it have time to compost? I have set up an area where I can keep them away from the compost area if I need to. Lastly, is it bad for them to be scratching around in a pile of dry poop and leaves?
I'd love any advice! I've scoured the forums and articles, and it seems a lot of the advice is more focused on controlling and reducing moisture. This sight has been so helpful! Thank you for any help.
