Muddy Run-Help!

[IonaFarm]

I'm in central Ind. and we've had nothing but downpouring ran. Our run is hoarably muddy. What can I do? The ground back to the run is also super soft. I can't drive a truck to put down sand yet as planned. What can be done in the mean time? My chicks are knee deep in mud!

 

[chicmom]

DRAT, I was going to say put sand down....that's how I solved the mud problem......for now, you could just throw down some straw, and that'll keep your poultry up out of the mud.

 

[ranchhand]

My usual emergency fix is a bale of straw. It does get soggy and muddy and has to be removed eventually, but if you use a "hard" bow rake it kind of rolls up when you need to clean it out.

Much more work, but you could lay planks on the ground and wheelbarrow the sand back to the run. We're pretty muddy here, too. Blech!

 

[zazouse]

Lots and lots of leaves will help dry out a run and the chickens turn it into dirt in no time, keeps everyone clean and busy at the same time.

Sand is ok but can get infested with fleas.
Straw is hard to remove from wet mud and it can smell terrible

 

[patandchickens]

See the page in my .sig below, about dealing with a muddy run

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[bluebird]

I would start carrying in bags of paver base -it's fine gravel- and spreading that around. Later mix in the sand. That's what I use and I never have a muddy run and easy to clean. I'm up here in Valparaiso and we are also getting all that rain!

 

[Taisce]

Get busy with a shovel and wheelbarrow. I shifted 3 tonnes of sand that way a few weeks ago. Lost a couple of pounds too!

 

[featherz]

I don't have a truck but I"m at the big box hardware store several times a week so I pick up some all purpose sand each time I go (50-100#) and throw it in. Eventually the run will be all sand, will just take longer.

.

 

[JimWWhite]

Sand, sand, and more sand. If you have a muddy run like I had and you add some gravel (about 1") and then lay in about 3" of course creek sand you'll solve your muddy mess problems. And your Gals will love you for it too. One, they keep their feet dry and clean. Two, now they can take a sand bath every day. Oh, and in case you wonder if you have enough sand add some more.

 

[mgw]

I just had the same problem 2 weeks ago.someone on here suggested I srape the mud out as much as possible & then put 2 3" of shavings down. I did that & it solved the problem instantly is still working great. been bringing home 5 gallons osand home every day since when the weather gets better I will rake out the shavings & put in the sand.