Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[LozzyR]

Ok, brains trust, I am thinking ahead to winter. We have had a few wet days so far this autumn and with our run not being covered I am thinking of solutions to the slushy cesspool potential of the ground before it happens.
I was originally thinking of a tarp over most of the top but I don’t think i will get it tight enough so the rain water will pool and won’t be a solution at all.
So I guess my question is what do you think will work as a ground cover in the run that will not get slushy but will not be too harsh on the girls soft beautiful feet? I think bark chips may present a problem but any opinions will be taken on board
Thank you in advance

Edited to add these pics, 2 things I found at my supply place that could work. Not as harsh as wood chips I don’t think but may provide a healthy cover and drain enough through to the soil but not allow it to be muddy ground if it is a thick enough covering
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Hubby and I bolted some polycarbonate sheeting from Bunnings on the roof of our run, here’s my post:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...es-stories-of-our-flock.1286630/post-24391104

 

[Marie2020]

I don't know about that Marie2020???

I'm back

 

[Marie2020]

Way too much time on people’s hands, I reckon?

Grumpy

 

[MaryJanet]

I know this situation well. We lived in a house we loved despite its flaws for 16 years. Stable rent, huge yard, big house. Then the landlords passed. Three months later we were given 90 days notice. The rental market here is nuts and we have animals, so we ended up in a much smaller house.
It was a rough transition, but at least we got rid of a lot of stuff!

I will be sending happy home thoughts your way!

Where I live, it's normal for leases to be 6 or 12 months at a time. Often families are never settled. No pets. No maintenance except what the landlords do/approve.

It's extremely unfair. And it's getting harder and harder to step off the rental merry go round.

Hoping your situation improves

 

[Aussie-Chookmum]

Talking of magpies

I love it! Such smart and interesting birds. (unless you are being dive bombed. )

 

[Aussie-Chookmum]

Kitchen grease fire making bacon one day. Better me get temporarily hurt than my home, being burned down, NO PICTURES, sorry

Ow, ow, ow! Burns are so painful. I'm glad it is healing up for you Alex. No permanent damage I hope?

 

[Lady Red]

Hi friends. Most of you know we are renters (in the Great Recession, we lost a luxury home we built because the market crashed before we could get certificate of occupancy to sell, but that’s another story.) I have fully embraced the humble life. I grew up in a very comfortable family in a wealthy town, I’m educated... I never imagined myself in this position. However, I am grateful. I can survive on very little, and I really feel I have my priorities straight. I love this rustic setting with chicken poop everywhere, overgrown pasture and putting my dirty bare feet right on the earth.

However, renting has its drawbacks. The woman who owned this property passed away recently. I’ve been dreading this day, as I LOVE living here. Her nephew, the primary beneficiary, would like for things to stay the same, but there are multiple parties on the trust, and they may eventually have to sell. I will continue on embracing every moment. We have every local predator, and the place is ridden with termites and sometimes rats. But I love it and wish I could buy it.

I want my beloved birds to live out their days here. And my doggo. She’s a border collie... total country dog. Most importantly... my kids, especially my daughter. This has been home for twelve years, and she is seventeen. Please send your thoughts and prayers that we get to stay here a long time to come.

I haven't been in your precise situation, but have been a renter and recipient of the landlord's whims. It is very unsettling. And frankly, even when the monthly cost from one home to another is equivalent, moving is an expense and in some ways a hardship.
Is there any chance of a rent-to-own option? Or are the prices so ludicrous that the surviving family is doing a money grab?
I'm so sorry about this worry. It would be lovely if they let your family stay...is the land alone worth something?? Asking because if not and if the place is in as bad shape as you've said, it may be tough for them to sell without investment in improvements.

 

[Aussie-Chookmum]

That was astonishing. I thought these things were scary though. I'm confused.

Only when they are nesting and have had bad experiences with humans before BYBob.

 

[Lady Red]

Meatbird tax

 

[featherhead007]

Ow, ow, ow! Burns are so painful. I'm glad it is healing up for you Alex. No permanent damage I hope?

No permanent damage, I was lucky that time. Thanks