Hard Clay Dirt in Run

[momtobogey]

Since my chicken run is hard clay dirt, should I lay down a layer of hay, alfalfa or other material? I use PDZ in the small coop, and dirt, sand, pine shavings in the run part of the coop (not my larger run enclosure). I've read not to use straw since it's tubular and that's where mites, etc live. I throw in cut grass when I mow my small lawn, but I just think they might be really bored since they can't scratch for bugs, etc. I look in my yard for grasshoppers, etc but rarely find any. I currently have 2 pullets, 11 weeks old tomorrow. Thank you for your suggestions!

 

[donddon]

I use wood chips (mulch) from the local tree guys. No odors, no mud, lotsa fun for the chickens.

 

[aart]

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.

 

[ladybrasa]

I have red clay dirt. Can get very mucky or very hard and packed. This year I laid down non-dyed hardwood mulch and so far so good! As said above they like scratching it around, which is fine. Also worked really well helping the area from getting mucky after a rain. I am hoping hardwood mulch will last a little longer than pine mulch. If you choose mulch, avoid treated and dyed stuff to be on the safe side.

 

[3KillerBs]

Deep litter should, over time, improve the nature of the soil underneath it.

The poop and the litter will react to create compost and the chickens will dig the compost into the soil -- adding the organic material the packed clay lacks.

When we build the new coop and create the run(s) my husband is enthusiastic about a system he read about where you run chickens in an area for a year then use it for garden while chickens are in a different area -- swapping back and forth.

 

[Pat B]

We use sand over our NC clay. The girls love scratching around and dirt bathing in it and it's also very easy to clean. Poop dries out quickly making for clean feet.