Ground of chicken yard

[justlearning]

The coop is done, but we still need to finish the run. We have clay soil so where the run is located is mostly dirt and moss. Never have been able to get grass to grow in this spot. So is it best to put river sand or straw down in the yard? Or is ok for them to hang out in the dirt?

 

[hennyannie]

I think its okay for them, but with clay adding sand might be better for you. It could get pretty sloppy if it gets wet in there.

 

[bluebird]

We have clay soil too so we put in about 4" of sand/paver gravel mix and it drains really well.

 

[patandchickens]

See the "fixing a muddy run" link in my .sig below for pros/cons of different run footing materials (sand, gravel, straw, mulch, etc)

It is very smart of you to be thinking of this now, BEFORE it gets all messed up -- whatever you put in there will stay atop the clay (instead of getting all mixed up with it to make even swampier ground) considerably better when put on hard dryish 'virgin' ground than if you waited til it was already a puddly pockmarked swamp to add it

Good luck, have fun,

Pat