Help with drainage?

[rekk12]

I have started my building my coop hope to have it finished this weekend. Im putting it in my back yard so we can watch our chicks from the porch. My problem is water. My land is very flat (all 5 acres) and nothing but clay so water just stands if we get a significant amount of rain. Any ideas on how to make a run stay dry. Thought about some kind creek gravel and a creek type sand built up on top of each other. But not sure. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[Egghead_Jr]

Is this for the run? Knowing the chickens will turn the run to dirt anyway you could use pressure treated boards around the base of run and just use 4 inches of sand. That would provide plenty drainage and elevate above standing water. Chickens love digging dust baths.

 

[rekk12]

That's what I was kind of thinking. Just wanted to hear it from somebody that knows a little more than myself. I am going to use some 1"x8" treated lumber then some sand.
Have you any idea about using creek gravel that is finely crushed? Instead of sand? And yes it is for their run.

 

[chfite]

I use river sand, a tad larger than typical sand. My chickens pull it back away from the edge of the run in their digging, so it stays in the run. If you build up the area with sand, it will drain and provide the chickens a place to walk without mud. I would skip the gravel, too much work for little benefit versus the sand.

They will eventually mix it into the extant soil, so you may need to add to it from time to time.

Chris