grass area ok? too small? ample? help???

[lfoose]

Ok. I was thinking more along of lines of mud after a rain...as opposed to a constant muddy environment. Is that a bad thing also?

I am asking because in my run, there is a section of dirt for them to dust bathe in. But I've noticed after a rain, they like to walk around in the mud also.

 

[Davaroo]

Quote:
Well, Im of the opinion that chickens are socially complex creatures, but are idiots at the same time. Some will surely take umbrage at that, but thats for another discussion.
The birds will happily muck around in their own feces and mud with little care... indeed knowing little different. Once the mud dries, then they will happily dust bathe in the same spot, again with little care.

But if you agree that cleanliness is an important part of disease prevention, then you will see that these practices are not in their best interests.

Now, it has been done just as you say for a very long time, mostly because it CAN be done, and the chickens don't complain. Same with cows and pigs. But you dont HAVE to continue the same way - you can take a different road, the one less traveled, as Robert Frost might say.

The point here is that intensive confinement leads to difficulties mostly, and often, borne of filth related problems. Alleviate the filth, and you minimize the problems.

 

[scottiedogscott]

there is probably no point in this post but the yellow area on the map is all brick patio... paving... whatever you want to call it.


ARGH! WHY IS MY GARDEN NOT FLAT BUT IN LEVELS! GRRRR!

 

[Davaroo]

Quote:
Oh dear. That does offer some worries.
Id plan for the chickens to have their coop run as primary, with the occasional foray into the rest of the area. Maybe you can take up some of the brick?