Grass Gone...Need Run Flooring Suggestion

[rosemarythyme]

I would add more material gradually as needed. Since you're spot cleaning every day you really shouldn't have big odor issues unless the area gets waterlogged or something.

Can you store then where they will stay dry?

I wouldn't bother trying to keep it dry. Store it where convenient, and if that means it's outside and not covered by a roof of some sort, do not tarp it/cover it, as all that does is trap moisture in the pile.

 

[aart]

Yes, the garage. But will it attract rodents?

I doubt it...tho if you have rodents around they might find it a nice nesting place...then a metal garbage can might be a good place to store it.

I suggested you keep it dry just to retard any decomposition.

 

[Idaho Chicken Bungalow]

Your run will need litter -- some kind of dry, organic material.

I like a mix of materials and textures -- wood chips, wood shavings, straw, pine straw, fall leaves, dried grass clippings, etc.

Hemp bedding is amazing!

 

[Idaho Chicken Bungalow]

What causes the stink? (I'm raising my first flock so apologies for the seemingly dumb question! )

Hemp bedding is amazing for the smell.

 

[David61]

smell? flies? PDZ will knock it down after a rain until it drys.
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...MIrpH__6Dx8wIVTW1vBB01wQFiEAQYASABEgJCWPD_BwE

 

[Cackel Shack]

Hi BYC...Happy Saturday!
Well after 4 months, my 4 girls have nearly eaten and destroyed all the grass in their run. So it's time for me to look at options.
1. Do you think I should just let it be and don't add any flooring? 2. If I were to add, what would you recommend?
You'll see that there's mulch in the plant bed around the inside edge of their run already.
We live in Southern California so rarely get rain and climate is mild in case that influences the decision.
Thank you!
View attachment 2853242View attachment 2853243

One thing you can do for your chickens since all of the grass is gone and the dirt appears compacted, is to get an above-ground container, box, etc, and put loose dirt in that so they can at least take a dirt bath. Chickens need to preen and clean their feathers. I have the same problem, but my chickens readily adapted to a container filled with dry soil, mixed with pine shavings or other safe fillers for their bathing.

 

[My Three Chicks]

One thing you can do for your chickens since all of the grass is gone and the dirt appears compacted, is to get an above-ground container, box, etc, and put loose dirt in that so they can at least take a dirt bath. Chickens need to preen and clean their feathers. I have the same problem, but my chickens readily adapted to a container filled with dry soil, mixed with pine shavings or other safe fillers for their bathing.

Fortunately my girls have a lot of other dust bathing options. I have other garden areas with loose dirt. They are so cute and dust bathe daily!