Getting ready for the run

[Builderbee]

So this is the site for the new run and coop. I Live on a hillside which means no natural level flat area, so I made one. Now for the question, I was planning to loam and seed the run area so it would be grass and am planning on leaving space to build a bigger coop in the spring. However, after watching my chicks when I bring them outdoors, it seems they will pretty much just destroy the grass in a short time. Any suggestions for what I should use on top of the compacted stone? Thanks for your help!

 

[rosemarythyme]

How's the drainage on that spot with the compacted stone? You have a lot of greenery around so I'd consider doing deep litter with whatever you have on the lot, with a base of chunky aged wood chips for drainage.

 

[Builderbee]

How's the drainage on that spot with the compacted stone? You have a lot of greenery around so I'd consider doing deep litter with whatever you have on the lot, with a base of chunky aged wood chips for drainage.

Not sure about drainage yet but we are supposed to get rain out of hurricane Laura today so I will hopefully find out. I’m in Maine and we have been in drought conditions this year so I am hoping for a good rainfall.

 

[mowin]

That should drain well. The left side has plenty of hight for the moisture to escape. How fast depends on what material you used for the base.
Are you going to have a covered or open run? Where in Maine are you. I've got friends in Bangor and Holden. Bears may be a issue also. Think about a hot wire fence around the whole thing.

 

[Builderbee]

I’m in Midcoast Maine near Bath. The run will be fully enclosed. And covered for the winter to keep snow out and cut down on wind. I am just not sure what to put over the packed stone at this point. Plus I already have a 6’ fence around the yard for my dogs.

 

[mowin]

I’m in Midcoast Maine near Bath. The run will be fully enclosed. And covered for the winter to keep snow out and cut down on wind. I am just not sure what to put over the packed stone at this point. Plus I already have a 6’ fence around the yard for my dogs.

I'd go with DLM or wood chips in the run. I that the neighbors house behind the run? Hopefully it's a really good neighbor if you're planning on having roosters, lol

 

[Builderbee]

Happily that neighbor had chickens and roosters for years in the past and he is partially deaf so we should be fine. We are not the only chicken owners in the neighborhood. What is DLM?

 

[mowin]

Happily that neighbor had chickens and roosters for years in the past and he is partially deaf so we should be fine. We are not the only chicken owners in the neighborhood. What is DLM?

Deep Litter Method. Basically start with smaller Limbs and add smaller stuff like twigs, leaves, grass on top. As it breaks down and the chickens mix it up, add to it. Do a search and there lots of info.

 

[Builderbee]

What about using pea gravel or if I go DLM can I use dead leaves too? Goodness knows my woods are full of them. And I have a small compost pile I could also spread out. My only concern with DLM is mold and mildew. It’s always damp here except in winter when everything is frozen.

 

[aart]

What about using pea gravel or if I go DLM can I use dead leaves too?

I would not add any more 'stone matter' to your run.
Dead leaves can be part of run bedding, best to have a mix of stuff, too many leaves can create a mass of nasty anaerobic slime.

The terms 'deep litter' and 'deep bedding' are often misunderstood and misapplied.
I've always liked this explanation:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...-method-with-this-coop.1075545/#post-16440037

What kind of bedding you use may depend on how you manage the manure.
This is about cleaning, but covers my big picture
-I use poop boards under roosts with thin(<1/2") layer of sand/PDZ mix, sifted daily(takes 5-10mins) into bucket going to friends compost.
-Scrape big or wet poops off roost and ramps as needed.
-Pine shavings on coop floor, add some occasionally, totally changed out once or twice a year, old shavings added to run.
- 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.
Aged ramial wood chippings are best IMO.
-Nests are bedded with straw, add some occasionally, change out if needed(broken egg).
There is no odor, unless a fresh cecal has been dropped and when I open the bucket to add more poop.
That's how I keep it 'clean', have not found any reason to clean 'deeper' in 7 years.

I’m in Midcoast Maine near Bath.

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