Muddy run

[Annemade]

This is my first year with chickens. I have moved my girls into their permanent coop just a week ago and all is going well. I am now working on the outside of the coop and the enclosed run. With all the rain recently the run is all damp dirt with some mud. What can I put down to reduce the mud. Part is covered with plastic and I hope to tarp the whole run before winter. The run is 10 x 12.

 

[Suzi18]

I use sand in my run and I love it. It drains well, dries fast, makes cleaning quick and easy ( I use a kitty litter scoop) and there is no smell.

 

[RonP]

Do a search on "Deep Litter".

I started with about 8-12 inches of free wood chips.
As the level decreases, add more or other carbons to neutralize the manure.

 

[Annemade]

Thanks for both ideas - I will look into both ideas.

 

[aart]

Ditto the deep litter.
Make sure that tarp is supported to hold up to snow load.