Fog-mud in pens

[Mimi13]

My run floor is like @aart’s and I never clean it out, that’s the good part. I add to it when I need to with mulch, large pine shavings, etc. or when I have the dry leaves, grass, etc. I do have a roof over mine. As far as the fog, uh, well, isn’t that just California? A fan blowing would divert the fog to a good extent, but your run isn’t covered to protect the electric fan. But then again, a roof might protect from fog. IDK.

 

[aart]

Also wondering how secure your run is? The wire has pretty big gaps

My run?
It's not meant to be completely predator proof.....mostly for hawks, but I've seen a fox and coyote bounce off of it.
7 years and nothing has gotten in, tho I've seen some signs of dig-in attempts.
It's 14ga 2x4 welded wire with an 18" apron all around.
I am home and within sight/hearing 95% of the time.
My coop is a 1/2" HC 'envelope', all 6 sides.

 

[Chickenman MAN]

My run?
It's not meant to be completely predator proof.....mostly for hawks, but I've seen a fox and coyote bounce off of it.
7 years and nothing has gotten in, tho I've seen some signs of dig-in attempts.
It's 14ga 2x4 welded wire with an 18" apron all around.
I am home and within sight/hearing 95% of the time.
My coop is a 1/2" HC 'envelope', all 6 sides.

Ahhh ok... I was just worried some weasle could slip in easily. Nice to know it works tho! Is that a bird on the run there?

 

[aart]

Is that a bird on the run there?

Hawk.

 

[Chickenman MAN]

Hawk.

Probably rather frustrate that he can't get a chicken dinner

 

[Matejka]

My run?
It's not meant to be completely predator proof.....mostly for hawks, but I've seen a fox and coyote bounce off of it.
7 years and nothing has gotten in, tho I've seen some signs of dig-in attempts.
It's 14ga 2x4 welded wire with an 18" apron all around.
I am home and within sight/hearing 95% of the time.
My coop is a 1/2" HC 'envelope', all 6 sides.

Nice set up. I would fill it with leaves, grass clipping, and let the girls enjoy.

 

[Kajoda929]

Generally you'd put down some form of litter/substrate in both coop and run to absorb poop. Some folks do leave the run bare but it can make it harder to clean up, and doesn't control mud or stabilize the soil, or manage odors.

Most popular options are sand and deep litter method: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/deep-litter-method.70/ - the appropriate choice would depend on things like your poop management style, available materials, drainage/dampness issues, etc.

I use deep litter because I get a lot of rain and my run is unroofed, so it helps stabilize the soil and provides drainage. I harvest wood chips off from tree branches, along with dried leaves, dried grass, garden and weed trimmings. I used to have a massive mud problem to the point that the thick mud was pulling the boots off my feet. Now there's no mud or bad odor even after lots of rain.

These chicks have no issue walking on the run floor after a heavy night of rain. The grass outside had large puddles, but not in the run.

View attachment 2460585

Thank you, litter makes me think of cat litter Lol I'll work on that today

 

[Kajoda929]

Not sure what to do about fog. Its damp, and gets everything "drippy". Just try to keep run as dry as possible.
My run was muddy. I raked leaves into a bedsheets, dumped in run. Problem solved.

Mine all eat the leaves as soon as I put them in...It might be the kind of leaves? Mine are white Mulberry leaves

 

[Kajoda929]

So you don't have an enclosed run...they just free range wherever they want to go?
Some pics of the area would help here.

- My runs have semi-deep litter(cold composting), never clean anything out, just add smaller dry materials on occasion, add larger wood chippings as needed.

It is enclosed...I actually had an owl that likes to hang around come eat some of the calcium I give my girls right next to them because I forgot it outside a week or so ago...She and the hawk can't get to my flock.

As I said in other comments, I never heard of using "litter" in runs/pens, but now I know

 

[Kajoda929]

Lots and lots of dry organic material as bedding.

I'm fortunate to be on well-drained soil and could use anything, but coarse wood chips are probably best in a wet location.

Also, put down pallets and set up other structures for them to sit up on out of the mud.

Thank you, I will