Major Mud and Heavy Rain - Pea Gravel? Sand? Need advice.

[CyberCountry]

Unfortunately, I just can't move it. It can't be lifted or shifted in any way shape or form. If I fail the surrounding area to make it higher it will make the coop a low spot. It is a modified shed approximately 6 by 8. Haven't had any issues with water getting into it. The water has been worse lately because several housing projects have started directly around me, and they've been diverting all their drain water into my yard and my neighbors yards. We've told them to stop, and they've rerouted at least their construction water, but because of the proximity of the house is it still going to drain directly into our yard for the rest of the foreseeable future.

 

[Ghosty]

In my uncovered run, I have hardware cloth, then a thin layer of gravel, then 4 - 6 inches of sand. I had to put down the hardware cloth because the soil is soft and loamy there and easily tunneled in by snakes. The pea gravel mixed with the sand a bit. I like it ok for now, the sand drains well and keeps me from stepping in mud. I went with gravel and sand because I thought it might be easier on the hardware cloth than decomposing material and dirt/mud. My birds don't use it too much though, as they free range most of the day. Around the run, I have hardware cloth 2 feet out, then 4 - 6 inches of gravel on top. I like this, because it keeps the ground firm, the hardware cloth out of the mud, and the run base board from staying soggy. Gravel and/or chunky hardwood mulch would probably be your best bet.

 

[aart]

The water has been worse lately because several housing projects have started directly around me, and they've been diverting all their drain water into my yard and my neighbors yards.

That stinks!!
Call the EPA...they are supposed to control any new run off that construction creates.
Or dump that load of dirt to block the flow.

 

[CliffB]

We use pine straw. Readily available and works well as a natural run bedding for the ducks who don't always want to go into the coop. Mulch gets soggy and holds water. Pine straw dries out much faster.

 

[aart]

Mulch gets soggy and holds water. Pine straw dries out much faster.

Yes, because it isn't absorbent, so would dry well if you have good drainage...would not do much in the OP's situation of constant standing water.

 

[sylviethecochin]

“Mulch isn’t absorbent” ? Not sure which mulch you are referencing but mulch is very absorbent. Mulch holds water incredibly well that is the soul purpose of putting mulch around the base of a newly planted tree. When it rains the mulch holds water which then peaches into the ground over time. Has nothing to do with drainage. Mulch is a wood product and wood holds water.

Pine straw isn't absorbent.

 

[aart]

Pine straw isn't absorbent.

Yes, that's what I meant...thought the bolding in quote would make it apparent.
Sorry for the confusion.

 

[jolenesdad]

If you want to solve the problem, you’re going to need to address the base. You could have sand on the top layer or even grass eventually if it’s big enough, but you’ll have to address the base first and foremost.

It could be possible to utilize a French drain of some sort, but I would go straight to this product used in horse paddocks.

I’m going to post a couple links to various concepts but it’s all fairly similar. You put a drainage base in, then a top layer that is held in place by a grid system. (Like those restaurant rubber mats with the holes in them). This holds the entire drain base in place forever and your mud problem is SOLVED.

https://www.lighthoof.com

http://www.versigrid.com

https://www.rammfence.com/barn/horse-barn-flooring/stall-grid