feathered feet and snow, oh no......

[lazy gardener]

I really appreciate all the responses. And thanks for the tips for other breeds. Some I was aware of, and some not. LazyGardner, I had the same thought with the snow clumping, like on my dogs. that I can al least take care of in the tub, but the gals, I'm have concern for frostbite. Aart and others who mentioned the dirty nest, didnt think of that. I dont want to do the shavings thing. I only have mud in my run now because I followed some advise I read to throw my grass clippings in there. Every evidence of grass is gone now. I wish I kept the grass! I'm hoping I can kill two birds with one stone with pulling up some sod I dont want in one part of the yard, and transplanting it into the run. One idea I have going. so anyhow, thank you again, all, very much I had a hunch it was more maintenance I wanted to deal with. I cant even get myself to brush the dogs enough, and one of those is a havanese, if anyones familiar with their full coat.

Unless your run is absolutely huge: giving each chicken about 100 s.f., the likelihood of maintaining growing grass is practically impossible.

Yeah, they'll like that!



and have it turned to dirt and roots within hours.

Go with a mix of mostly dry organic matter....various sizes, shapes, materials.
Adding a bit at time so you don't end up with a mucky mess, but aim deep might need boards at run wall bottoms to hold it in.
It will help break down the poops, absorb water, and d@mn near eliminate odors.....
.......and provide habitat for organisms to continue the ingestion of poops, the larger of which the chooks will enjoy digging for and eating.

This is an excellent example of what I mean, this shows it in a coop, but works just as well in a run:
Here's a great description of contents and how to manage organic 'bedding' 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

My run is a work in progress. 500 s.f. requires a lot of bedding material to get it covered. I finished building the run late this summer, and have added to it as weather and materials allow. Grass clippings, shavings from the coop, leaves, wood chips, garden debris, basically any material I can get my hands on. I don't expect that I'll have it fully mulched till sometime next summer. When I built the run, I put 2 x 6 boards around the entire bottom with the goal of them holding in that bedding. Eventually, it will produce tons of compost for my gardens.

 

[eagrbeavr]

I do have a fairly large run and often they get to free range in the yard also. They grass had no problem until I covered it myself with clippings.

 

[aart]

I do have a fairly large run and often they get to free range in the yard also. They grass had no problem until I covered it myself with clippings.

Ah......give it a try<shrug> probably should fence them away from the transplanted sod at first, give it a chance to root in real good.

 

[Sjisty]

I love my floppy, feather-footed chickens! Okay, I live in Florida so there's not a snow problem. During rainy season, though, there's plenty of mud. I have more of a problem with my Polish getting mud in her head than the Brahmas getting it stuck in their feet. Yes, they do "sweep" the nest boxes a bit, but I wouldn't trade them for anything!

 

[eagrbeavr]

They sure are pretty! I can understand you're joy with them!


So thanks again for all the replies everyone. Its nice to have a place to bounce questions and ideas to.

 

[hellbender]

My dark Cornish are broody they could be considered a PIA but when you need a broody, they are as good as any...better than most and they are excellent mommas after the hatch. If they weren't so broody, they might be considered an excellent layer but their family matters hold that back.

 

[eagrbeavr]

Thanks for weighing in, Hellbinder. Preciate it

 

[hellbender]

Thanks for weighing in, Hellbinder. Preciate it

More than welcome. I just ordered a 3 month old Dark Cornish cockerel that I love...sight unseen....except for pictures. This breeder is in South Georgia but I'm certain she would try to accommodate you if the DC catch your thoughts. Great broodies and equally good eats...absolutely one of the finest table birds.

EDIT: I really like the Brahmas but their size and those feathered feet make them a no-go for me. Big balls of snow, ice and poop forms on their legs and cause the nests to be soiled badly and additionally, the hens are quite large and clumsy to the point where they crack bunches of eggs...at the best of times.

 

[eagrbeavr]

Thanks. Well, ya know. I did read the Buff Orps are great mothers and I do have one. I dont know why, but she seems to have flown under the radar with me. She really is a nice bird. I think for now I'll only need one broody so I'm gonna, later this season, separate her and supply her her own nest complete with fake eggs and see what she does. If she gets all maternal, I'll get some eggs and run with it. Thanks for your suggestion. I'll keep the Cornish in mind, along with some others. Hope things turnout great with you roo to be!

 

[hellbender]

Thanks. Well, ya know. I did read the Buff Orps are great mothers and I do have one. I dont know why, but she seems to have flown under the radar with me. She really is a nice bird. I think for now I'll only need one broody so I'm gonna, later this season, separate her and supply her her own nest complete with fake eggs and see what she does. If she gets all maternal, I'll get some eggs and run with it. Thanks for your suggestion. I'll keep the Cornish in mind, along with some others. Hope things turnout great with you roo to be!

You could do MUCH worse than the Orpington. It's hard to beat a good one!

Good luck with her!!!