Managing Mud Season- what do you do?

[LynneP]

I think it depends on the temperature, too. I don't expect mold to be a problem- it's more urgent that I check drainage and give the hens a chance to stay clean. If you are worried about mold you could use bedding of various kinds and rake out whenever possible. Platforms are a great asset too, even a table-like structure near the pop door. They love to sit on the edges and sun themselves. Every moment out of the mud is a good moment!

 

[chookchick]

I have to say that my hens have never gotten muddy! I consider this quite an accomplishment, since I live in the rain capital of the USA I believe. When it rains, it really rains, and it rains a lot! I am fortunate in that the soil drains pretty well, and I use a nice think layer of mulch (woodchip) on top. In their coop, the floor is cement, with woodchip on top, and it is very dry. The only time that their feet even looked dirty is when the snow blew in sideways and they trekked around in that. I don't have any white hens, but they look pretty clean all the time.

 

[LynneP]

It sounds like you have the mud thing under control! I've made headway, hens are clean and still outdoors when they want. Getting there!

 

[kodiakchicken]

Quote:
I find this technique to be quite useful as well. Particularly when there's mud with an ice patch in the middle of it and you slip on the ice, do the little balance dance and then end up in the mud. Always fun!

Seriously, we live in a huge rainfall area which means almost constant mud. We don't have grass in our backyard either, which really contributes to the problem. We have trenched around the coop (and through the middle of it when it gets really bad) and that helps a bit. I've thought about a raised floor, but am worried about it rotting. I think I might try laying a weed control mat down and then putting pea gravel over it. Outside the coop they just have to deal with the mud. Of course, we have three ducks who are ecstatic every time it rains and leaves new mud puddles. You have never seen happiness until you see a duck in a new mud puddle!

 

[LynneP]

I'd like to get a couple of Muscovys at some point in the future- feral cats are problematic in deciding. Some folks get very creative in raising their runs. We're lucky to have sandy loam so it never gets abysmal. Most parts of the province has clay soil which, as you know, can be *very* difficult...and when the water in a trench freezes the drainage is totally compromised- pick and shovel time...

 

[Brunty_Farms]

If you have the land make your coop portable... it helps so much and you don't have to worry about any dirty hens or eggs. Here is a pick of one of mine... the coop itself really needs some work but thats for spring time.

 

[LynneP]

A big coop *and* portable- I see how you avoid the mud! Nicely done...

 

[Leah-yes I know I'm crazy]

Quote:
I find this technique to be quite useful as well. Particularly when there's mud with an ice patch in the middle of it and you slip on the ice, do the little balance dance and then end up in the mud. Always fun!

Cripes, I thought no one saw me.