floor of covered run.

[Fuchsia]

Hello
Welcome to BYC!! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[chickykids]

Welcome to BYC , using woodland leaf litter is good source but do a smell test for each pile for mold and it should be completely dry.

I did not think of that. Some of it was raked from areas where the bottom had started to decompose. Do you think it would be ok if I raked it around for a few weeks to dry it out. I didn’t smell any mold but it does smells earthy of course. Thanks!

 

[DobieLover]

I did not think of that. Some of it was raked from areas where the bottom had started to decompose. Do you think it would be ok if I raked it around for a few weeks to dry it out. I didn’t smell any mold but it does smells earthy of course. Thanks!

Hello again.
Raking that to mix it up will be a good idea. I would also add a layer of wood chips to go on top of what you already have as that will make an excellent run litter.

 

[drumstick diva]

WELCOME TO THE PULSE BEAT OF THE POULTRY COMMUNITY -BACKYARD CHICKENS

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

Welcome to our FUNomenal Community!

Best Wishes & Be Well!

 

[CluckerFamily]

 

[janiedoe]

Welcome to BYC!

 

[chrissynemetz]

Hello again!

 

[chickykids]

Thank you for all of the great welcome and advice. I have been researching on this site all about run litter and have learned so much but also become very conflicted. The whole sand vs. wood chip debate. I am leaning toward the wood chips on top of the leaf litter that I currently have.

For a bit more information the covered run size is 100 sq. ft. and I will have 6 chickens.

The thoughts and doubts that I'm having are with the maintenance. I want to to do as little as possible. Will having a completely covered run effect the speed of decomposition and smell or will I have to be cleaning this out continually? In this case would sand be a better option?

Also as for adding an area for a dust bath. Should I put a pile of sand in the corner? how do you add a dust bath area?

Lastly, I have learned about mites. Is one of these methods preferable to prevention then the other?

Thanks again!

 

[DobieLover]

The thoughts and doubts that I'm having are with the maintenance. I want to to do as little as possible. Will having a completely covered run effect the speed of decomposition and smell or will I have to be cleaning this out continually? In this case would sand be a better option?

Also as for adding an area for a dust bath. Should I put a pile of sand in the corner? how do you add a dust bath area?

Lastly, I have learned about mites. Is one of these methods preferable to prevention then the other?

I have a run with a solid roof. I have never removed material from the run and it's been in use for over 2 years with up to 30 birds. I just rake it flat every couple of months and add material once a year.
With sand, you have to scoop it. Sand does not decompose. And sand adds another source of dust in an already incredibly dusty environment.
The wood chips slowly decompose and the chickens love digging around in it. They make wells and dust bathe in it.

Granted, my birds don't spent all their time in there as they have a 1/3 acre pen they use most of the year. But even though they can dust bathe outside and do, I always find craters in the run from them using that space. I think they feel safer bathing under the roof.