Is there any need to clean out the run? If so, how?

[Farmer Mike S]

My chickens used to be partial free range, but now there's an overload of foxes and even coyotes in my area, so they've spent a lot of time in the run. My run is suitable in size for 5 birds, I have 2 4'x8' sections, one covered, and another open. They have plenty of treats and dust bathe in there, but it's not suitable for growing any grass, it's all dirt.

They spend most their time in the open run, and it's starting to stink, plus I have a lot of flies. Besides raking it out every few weeks, the run hasn't been cleaned in over a year since I had the chickens. I'm wondering if I need to clean it, and if so, how?

 

[21hens-incharge]

Have you tried turning the dirt over. Taking a tiller in there or turning it by hand should help a lot. You could try adding some sweet PDZ. I did that to the dog kennel when we had to much rain and it pooled near where they pee. It worked fairly well.

For my run I take the garden tiller in there 2 times a summer. My run is rather large though and it fits through the door. Turning the tiller can be a pain.
Three years and counting with no fly or stink issues so far.
A lot of people swear by sand since it lets the water (and poo) go through easily.

 

[6of6chicks]

I started with a dirt run, but after my chickens got sick I decided I needed a bedding in there. I use dried grass and LOVE it. My yard is 10+ years free of any chemicals, so I feel pretty safe about using grass clippings for the chickens. I just bag it from the mower, spread it out on the carport to dry, then toss it in there. The chickens don't really eat any of it, but even if they do the mower chops it into short pieces so I feel pretty safe using it. They love rooting around in there for seeds and bugs, and their constant scratching turns it for me (no work on my part). It also provides a nice thick, soft landing - which is important for me because I have a heavy breed. When the grass does need to be changed it's super easy - just rake it up, toss it in the compost bin, and put down fresh bedding. Super easy.

Mine don't free range either (predators galore), and until I get another area fenced they are confined to the run. I do little trays of sprouts/fodder for them, as well as give them produce from the garden, to help give them the greens they are missing by not being able to free range.

 

[jennfurtrombly]

I had mine in a small run for a while and I would use coastal hay. I would rake it out every 2 weeks or so and add fresh hay for them. They loved to play and scratch through it as well.

 

[RonP]

Do a search on "deep litter".

Lots of information.

Hope this helps.