Muddy run - Any advice!

[cyberchick]

I have only had my chickens for a couple of week and am really enjoying it. However, the weather here has been really bad. It seems to have rained everyday for a week and a half. Part of my run is covered but the bit that is open has become very muddy as can been seen from the pictures. I was thinking of trying to mix sand in to help the drainage. Suggestions would be welcome.

 

[Friend@animals]

I have the same problem. I added a layer of sand and rock to help drainage and then a layer of straw to keep chickens feet dry. They can get bumble foot from having wet feet. It's been working pretty well for a couple of years now.

 

[RockwaterFarm]

i shoveled out my whole 10x12 coop 1 foot deep and put sand in it.

 

[patandchickens]

See the "fix a muddy run" link in my .sig below for ideas -- what usually works best is a multi-pronged approach, not *just* chucking sand in there.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[BankerJohn]

sand

sand

sand

sand

sand

 

[jeb251]

I agree with sand but it must be done properly, if you put too thin a layer of sand, it will sink into the mud and your problem is back, I have heavy clay and the same problem but here is how I am prepairing to deal with it

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=375826

hope it helps

 

[cyberchick]

Quote:
Had a look at your page, very impressive. I will certainly do what I can if it dries out!

 

[cyberchick]

Quote:
Had a look at your page, very impressive. I will certainly do what I can if it dries out!

 

[write2caroline]

Straw is a good temp fix but it will mold quickly and thats bad. How about pine shavings and when you can - regrade and add some drainage to keep it drier. Here where we live it gets really wet and we have sand. Sometimes on a heavy downpour I floods for hours. I have pallets - Not pretty yes I know but I have them around the run for those times where they want to get up out of the wet and I also have my coops raised up from the ground. They still usually go under this big tree instead.
Caroline

 

[JimWWhite]

Quote:
Uh, you might want to add one or maybe two more 'sands' to what he said... Seriously, lay down a mix of course sand and gravel, called crush & run here in the Carolinas. About 1-1/2 inchs will do. C&R is what they use for gravel driveways, etc. here as the base. Then lay down at least 3 inches of course sand on top of that. Then I'd try to divert any water from coming into the run by going around the perimeter of it and cutting/digging a shallow trench only 2 or 3 inches deep and lead it off down hill if possible. I did this in my run because I had the very same problem and now it's dry and healthy for my Gals. Last fall after I got it all done the reminants of Hurricane Ida blew through here and we had 4 days of torrential downpours. I went out to gather eggs during the rain and there were the Gals all enjoying sand baths while the rain was pounding down.

So, add some sand and if you don't think you have enough, add some more...