Keeping It Clean

[enggass]

Curious as to what you all do and what happens in regards to run floors.
Mine is 1"- base over 1" stone. Sand has been added from time to time. During this winter I have been giving them some Alfalfa hay which they eat some and kick around some.
When I tidy up, I rake the hay and dispose, metal rake the remaining dirt/soil and then add some DE on top of it all.
I guess what I'm asking is that my procedure does not account for getting all of the poo up, but more or less integrating it with the dirt.
Is this the wrong approach? Do all of you try to clean up all poo? It would seem futile at best, no?
Love to hear some feedback on whether my technique is adequate.
Thanks.

 

[Judy]

You might do a search on "deep litter method" (which is actually a group of methods.) Some people don't clean it up at all, or maybe once a year.

I hope you're using a scant amount of DE. It does help dry and control odor, but it's rough on lungs. Pelletized lime also helps dry and control odor, is cheaper, and has no dust to inhale.

 

[JLS]

I used to use hay but my girls LOVED to eat it. It seemed okay....until one became bound. Upon expelling the poopy hay(undigested) she prolasped! Needless to say, she had to be put down.

Now I simply rake up the poop from the dirt/sand in the run. When the poop dries it can be raked easily. I add sand to the run as needed.

 

[welasharon]

I have a covered run with sand in it and they have mixed hay from the bales in it too. I don't rake up the poo and it just seems to disappear....one day I expect some huge upheaval and mounds of poo to come bursting forth!
sharon

 

[BoyetteK9]

My first chicks will arrive in March and go into the coop around May, so I have time here. But is it okay to put shredded bark mulch in the run? Yes, they'll scratch it around, but I figure it'll help keep the mud to a minimum too. Is there any danger in that?

Those with covered runs, what do you use to cover them? Plastic? Sheet metal? ???

 

[enggass]

Quote:
I was inquiring about my run, not the coop. I spot clean that day to day and do more serious cleans about once a month.
I wanted to know about runs. Mine is covered, but with the damp winter/snow weather, moisture still gets up through from underneath...

 

[patandchickens]

Quote:
If you're happy with its results, it's adequate

Seriously, that is the only real test there is. If things aren't muddy or stenchy or otherwise-nasty, then it is working. If they *do* get unsavory then you might want to try something else but if it ain't broke don't fix it

Pat