Help with run problem - pictures

[Southern Gardener]

I'm having a problem with my run washing and my chickens digging out. Any advice on how I can prevent this would be appreciated.
Joan

 

[ColoradoMike]

I have the same problem to some extent - though our run is a 'secure' run, complete with 2x4 welded wire buried 20" and a roof...mine is small enough that I just shovel clean sand into the dug out areas each time I tidy up, and with the buried fencing around the perimeter, chickens can't get out (nor foxes in...). It looks like your run is quite large. I'm curious to hear what others have to say.

Nice lawn, by the way

 

[Frogdogtimestwo]

We had the same issue so I used concrete around the entire perimeter. Occasionally I will have to back fill their favorite hole next to the concrete but they are not able to get close to the fence to get out or critters get in.

*ETA a pic of what I did

 

[Southern Gardener]

Colorado, yes I've had to shovel more dirt also, but it takes a LOT of dirt to back-fill the entire run.
Frog, concrete might just work for me.

 

[Marie1234]

We went around the border of ours with concrete blocks and started adding a truckload of sand here and there. It raised the level of the run to be above the yard but the blocks hold it all in. We buy the sand from construction sources (not by the bag) and the cost isn't bad.

 

[CityChook]

My run is like Marie's, but we used 6x6 landscape timbers. There is hardware wire screwed to it and buried as well. Those chickens sure like to dig, don't they? Don't know if this is a solution for you, though, if your run is really large.

 

[Southern Gardener]

Thanks for the suggestions! Looks like I'll be buying landscape timbers!

 

[bantyshanty]

I've used bricks around the inside perimeter, laid into the ground most of the way & stood on end. Here you get them free from demolished buildings if you ask the right people. You could look on Freecycle or Craigslist. Or use cement pavers from a home improvement store. Home Depot sells their broken pavers for half price if your run is large.