keeping the run dry and clean

[geegee]

Hi everybody!We just got our 13 week old flock of reds out to the coop finally The problem is that I cant keep the run clean and dry.The birds {10} have been using the bathroom so much that I cant keep it raked up.Its been raining so much that its pretty wet and muddy.Will this be bad for the birds?Is there anything I could do about it?Thanks so much.

 

[Imp]

geegee,
Here's a thread with some ideas for a wet run. How large is the run? and Is it covered?

Good luck,
Imp


https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=196159&p=2

 

[geegee]

Its about5 ft. long.yes its covered.Thanks for the link

 

[annek]

If you have 10 birds in a 5' run you will never keep it clean. I don't know how wide but that is too many birds unless it is 20' wide. I would suggest if it is small to build a tractor if you can't let them free range. I built mine in about 3 or 4 hours and it was really cheap. I went with the hoop coop concept and it is 6x8 and I attached ropes on it and move it around to keep it in the shade, it is pretty light-it is ugly though!

My coop does much better when they aren't in it pooping all day, they like it better too! for keeping it dry I use sweet pdz that is used in horse stalls. They have been in it for over 2 weeks and so far no smell/no flies, but I do keep it stirred up and throw in leaves, grass, etc in the run and then rake it up in 2 or 3 days if they are not able to get out in the tractor.

Good luck!