Is Hay ok in VERY shady run, humid weather...

[CritterHill]

Can I put hay in my run to help it stay drier/not stinky if my run is completely shaded (in the deep woods) and it has been crazy wet and humid?

The coop is on top of a hill, so it drains nicely. The dirt/poo just stays wet since it get NO sun and it keeps raining! (and it's HUMID)

It doesn't reek or anything, but I am starting to notice a smell where I never did before...

In the cold weather I put hay down over any ice and snow, but not sure that would be a good idea with this damp weather? Would it just mold?

Hay or straw would be the easiest for me to get up there and spread. Just not sure of the mold factor...

Here is a pic of the coop/run in the spring. Leaf cover is heavier now.

 

[Zahboo]

Straw gets moldy easy. Have you considered sand?

 

[CritterHill]

I was thinking sand, but then I will need to get DH to help hauling it... It's a big run.

Maybe I'll do straw for now then rake it out and do sand when I can get DH to lend a hand.

 

[Zahboo]

Can you at cover the run. The first time it gets mucky, the mold will start spreadin.

 

[CritterHill]

I may be able to cover at least some of it. We have an EZ-Up that just self destructed. I can probably scavenge the tent part of it and attach it to the wire above the run...

 

[elmo]

I have grass in my run..that is slowly being grazed down. So I started adding sand one bag at a time (to save on my poor, old, aching back).