Muddy run...

[Chicalina]

I'm in the UK too. That tarp isn't going to make the ground less soggy, it will only provide some dry cover for them in the rain. Your run area is large. I have done the following: Made a small fenced in run that is covered and a larger area uncovered, but under trees. They can choose which area to be in as they have access to both. Dry ground is great for dust bathing. I've got some feather footed breeds and the mud is awful for them. It was easy to build a covered area using old scrap wood and some plastic sheets for roofing. I also dug a trench in a particularly soggy area and filled it with gravel to help drainage.

Soggy ground, if constant can lead to infections getting in to cuts, and it isn't great for them to always have wet feet in the winter.

Bark chippings can be bought in large quantities (the big square builders bags they deliver) and that is a good substrate. Shavings are no good for outdoor run in the rain, they will disintegrate quickly.

I have dust extracted shavings in my coop and they are perfect.

 

[Chickenman MAN]

I'm in the UK too. That tarp isn't going to make the ground less soggy, it will only provide some dry cover for them in the rain. Your run area is large. I have done the following: Made a small fenced in run that is covered and a larger area uncovered, but under trees. They can choose which area to be in as they have access to both. Dry ground is great for dust bathing. I've got some feather footed breeds and the mud is awful for them. It was easy to build a covered area using old scrap wood and some plastic sheets for roofing. I also dug a trench in a particularly soggy area and filled it with gravel to help drainage.

Soggy ground, if constant can lead to infections getting in to cuts, and it isn't great for them to always have wet feet in the winter.

Bark chippings can be bought in large quantities (the big square builders bags they deliver) and that is a good substrate. Shavings are no good for outdoor run in the rain, they will disintegrate quickly.

I have dust extracted shavings in my coop and they are perfect.

Thanks for advice! I will look at the wood and bark chippings and also at the gravel. The tree and tarpaulins provide some cover but yeah it would be ideal to have a covered section! That may be a project with some pallets ;D

 

[Chickenman MAN]

Thanks for advice! I will look at the wood and bark chippings and also at the gravel. The tree and tarpaulins provide some cover but yeah it would be ideal to have a covered section! That may be a project with some pallets ;D Are the bark chippings Safe? And are non hardwood chips safe?

 

[Sunshine Coop]

Yeah... no offense but I thought shavings could lead to respiratory issues?

Ive used pine shaving for months although I’ve recently switched to straw but I’ve never had a problem. I guess it depends on what kind you use and if you let them get moldy or not.