Litter and run.....NEED ideas (Wild bird issues too!)

[Rachaellynn11]

This is main coop, it has 8 regular size chickens and I use a lot of straw (but not the deep straw method) with cedar underneath, as you can see the run is just dirt. I use the same situation in all coops. * The green coop is the single "time out" coop

My little coop has 7 bantams and the same set-up


Obviously, the run is open air, I have tried sand, but I really didn't like it, The straw seems okay, but it is very messy, The dirt gets muddy fast I am wondering what people use in this types of set-up. ALSO, another HUGE issue I am having is wild birds. I keep my coops cleaned and my birds well maintained but we have every kind of wild bird out there! small birds, robins, crows, woodpecker, pigeons, doves, and magpies. My poor birds have had mites twice! We have tried DE in the dustbaths, and coops, I have used it on them, and as much as I hate to, I Have used Sevin. Is there anything that can be done? Or is it just always a battle? Any info would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

An enclosed coop/run is really not an option.

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome! I do hope your birds are all lacked in their coop at night, because the run isn't safe at all for them. DE is somewhat helpful in dry conditions (as on the coop floor) but useless if wet (as in the run). I use permethrin on the coop floor after cleaning out the deep bedding, the deep pine shavings. Lice or mites will happen unless your birds are always indoors, not the best. Improving your run will help a lot in keeping critters out, and then watch for parasites and treat as needed. Mary