duck run material

[emmad783]

Hi all, I am in desperate need of advice, currently I have 4 pekins outside in a "yard" run. I live in the woods so the yard is dirt, there are tree roots exposed, some rocks etc. all 4 have bumblefoot that I am also struggling to treat as all of this is very new to me! my question is... what sort of material is cost effective and will help cover the "sharps" in their run? do I go gravel? sand? a mixture? it's almost winter here, would I be better of waiting until spring? aah help please!

 

[hillbilly91]

Hi all, I am in desperate need of advice, currently I have 4 pekins outside in a "yard" run. I live in the woods so the yard is dirt, there are tree roots exposed, some rocks etc. all 4 have bumblefoot that I am also struggling to treat as all of this is very new to me! my question is... what sort of material is cost effective and will help cover the "sharps" in their run? do I go gravel? sand? a mixture? it's almost winter here, would I be better of waiting until spring? aah help please!

Mulch with fine shavings works good about 6inches

 

[emmad783]

Mulch with fine shavings works good about 6inches

thank you!

 

[hillbilly91]

thank you!

No problem. You can buy 2x4s and place at the bottom and add your double or triple ground undyed mulch to the top of the 2x4. Also silt fence material can be baught at Lowe's without the stake. It come on a 3'x50'roll. Great to keep the wind off them

 

[snow5164]

We have something called highway gravel , it’s 50% sand 50% very small stones , not sure if that would work ,

Just remember mulch breaks down and is prone to mold and mildew, especially with ducks because they don’t turn it as chickens do.

Straw is a cost effective way to cover shape edges, ducks love it and it’s light weight and does pretty good with moisture..

So much to think about

 

[emmad783]

We have something called highway gravel , it’s 50% sand 50% very small stones , not sure if that would work ,

Just remember mulch breaks down and is prone to mold and mildew, especially with ducks because they don’t turn it as chickens do.

Straw is a cost effective way to cover shape edges, ducks love it and it’s light weight and does pretty good with moisture..

So much to think about

you’re not kidding!! soooo much to think about ‍ I had no idea before I got myself into this... hahaha

 

[snow5164]

But now you have a purpose for all those cold winter nights

Above all , have fun .
These creatures are a gift and I find myself thanking them for the eggs

 

[chickens really]

Hello. I use sand and have a corner with straw. My run is covered though. Straw rots quickly once wet and Ducks poo is wet. Straw is used here mostly in winter. River rock is best because it has no sharp edges. I use it as a base for drainage under sand.

 

[emmad783]

But now you have a purpose for all those cold winter nights

Above all , have fun .
These creatures are a gift and I find myself thanking them for the eggs

I’m glad I’m not the only one thanking my ducks for their contribution!
I do love them so so much, I never thought I would but they found their way deep into my heart!

 

[thumper650]

I don't get eggs, because I have drakes, but the entertainment value is amazing!
My 2 new runners have made looking out my back windows more entertaining than TV!

My run is just soil, that was grass at one point. I use TSC stall mats in the place where the ducks hang out the most, near the food. I hose it off after they go in their house for the night. I scoop up where the runoff goes about once a week.