Looking for some input on my set up.. Muddy run

[Balos]

Hi everyone,

First time poster here, I have been dropping into these forums for years to read some of the great information, but I finally decided I would join. I am in need of some suggestions regarding ground cover material for my chicken area. I am considering adding a 4' fence to create a fenced in run, about 15' out from the door and along the granite path, blocking them off from the path and the garden beds area.

I am also considering adding a bunch of wood chips over all of the dirt areas. Possibly adding in some leaves and yard waste over time and doing a whole yard deep litter... But thinking that may be messy and maybe I should fence them in to restrict them from half the area like i described before..


Let me know if you have any suggestions toward anything that you see. Its a work in progress but it has done well for 2 years now

Thanks!

 

[azygous]

Since you're a brand new member, welcome. Now, please add your location to your profile info so we will be able to figure out what kind of climate you are working with.

You have a very flat terrain. That does not easily lend itself to trenching and being able to redirect runoff. The alternative is to create a gravel substrate in your run, topped with compostable material so that moisture drains from the surface deep into the ground, praying you have a permeable soil and not caliche, a rock solid barrier preventing soil drainage.

Trying to get a cover crop to grow in your run is next to impossible with chickens daily scratching and preventing plants from rooting and surviving. There will be folks coming along to discuss the deep litter method for runs, and that would most likely be your best solution on top of the gravel substrate.

 

[CatWhisperer]

I don’t see many chickens. Have you considered sodding the area? You can always add something on top if they destroy it and sodding it will also raise the level of the ground you are working on and thus improve drainage.

 

[rosemarythyme]

As far as size of the setup, I guess it depends on whether you want the chickens to have access to the garden and path areas or not. Since you mentioned having the current setup for 2 years now, you should know if the area drains well or not - if not, that's something you want to see if you can resolve before adding litter.

No reason you can't deep litter a larger area, but by itself it won't fix mud issues if there's also drainage issues. Deep litter doesn't look (or smell) messy IMO, so if that's a concern, think of something that looks more like a forest floor, and that's what you'd be looking at once it gets going with a nice mix of materials.

 

[aart]

I am considering adding a 4' fence to create a fenced in run,

4' is not going to keep them contained.
Go taller with a mesh roof to keep them in and predators out.

Good drainage is a must.
Wood chippings is best for 'absorbing' poops.

Welcome to BYC! @Balos
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