Mountain backyard chickens..

[Penland1409]

I need help! I'm a first time chicken owner and I live in the mountains of Western North Carolina. We have a small coop that we purchased from Tractor Supply for our 3 hens. It's kind of cheap but it works while we are figuring out this chicken thing! The issue that I'm having is...because we have no grass...their coop quickly becomes a muddy mess and smells TERRIBLE. Because we live on a mountain it's either ...dirt (mud), moss (which quickly turns to mud) or shrubs. What can I put down for them to prevent the mud? ..I wasn't sure if stone/mulch...what would work?

I appreciate all your advise!

Thank you!

 

[CapricornFarm]

Any organic material will help, so shavings, leaves, straw etc. Some people use sand or gravel.Good luck with your chickens.

 

[barred2rock]

If it's muddy you have a drainage issue. I'd work on getting water away from the area. Perhaps a french drain?

 

[aart]

I need help! I'm a first time chicken owner and I live in the mountains of Western North Carolina. We have a small coop that we purchased from Tractor Supply for our 3 hens. It's kind of cheap but it works while we are figuring out this chicken thing! The issue that I'm having is...because we have no grass...their coop quickly becomes a muddy mess and smells TERRIBLE. Because we live on a mountain it's either ...dirt (mud), moss (which quickly turns to mud) or shrubs. What can I put down for them to prevent the mud? ..I wasn't sure if stone/mulch...what would work?

I appreciate all your advise!

Thank you!

Dry plant matter will help....but small size of run is going to be difficult.
Making sure any run off doesn't go into run will help.