Floor of the Run

[BrockportChick]

I will be building my coop and run as soon as the snow melts, and I'm wondering about the floor of the run. It is currently just grassy lawn (well, under the snow), and I'm thinking about leaving it that way, except for the necessary digging for posts, etc... to enclose the run. It will be entirely covered by a roof (did I mention the snow??), so I'm thinking to start with grass in the run, and once that's been picked through/destroyed, I can add amendments from there.
Or should I strip the grass and start with dirt plus...something else?
Oh- I know I need a dust bath area- I've got a spare tire to put some sand/dirt in for that.

Thanks!

 

[cavemanrich]

Leave the grass in there as long as it will remain. If the dirt starts to get muddy, you can add wood chips. I put my grass clippings into my run area. Works really well for me. Most of my run is covered with light tarps, so most rain is diverted, but not all.
What is your choice desires for type/breed of chickens???
WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

 

[BrockportChick]

Thanks for the advice!
I've ordered
2-Domonique
2-Buff Orpington
1 Black Australorp
1 Columbian Wyandotte
1 Rhode Island Red
1 New Hampshire Red

The chicks will be here in about 2 weeks. I was going for cold-hardy egg layers that look pretty! =)

 

[Ridgerunner]

I agree, leave the grass. They will enjoy it until it is gone.

If your run is dirt you do not need to do anything to give them a dust bath area. They will take care of that. If you cover your run with a thick layer of bedding, maybe. But if they can get to the dirt, don't bother.

 

[aart]

so I'm thinking to start with grass in the run, and once that's been picked through/destroyed, I can add amendments from there.

Yep!!
You'll be glad of the roof.

Wood Chippings....with some other dry plant materials added!

 

[Alaskan]

You have already gotten good advice.

Since you mentioned snow twice... maybe you would like to read the article I wrote about building coops in cold areas with snow. The link is here:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/cold-weather-poultry-housing-and-care.72010/