My run..

[Ashchicken]

I have a large run 400 square feet, and 13 chickens. Over the hard winter I inadvertently created a giant compost by adding straw, laying scraps and the chicken activity. Now in spring, the whole run smells like a compost, and is soggy with a think crust you can walk on. I’ve tried to rake etc. the compost material is about 12” deep. I know I probably have to break the crust and shovel out all I can and start fresh, but suggestions for preventing this in the future? Sand? Wood chips? I am knee deep figuratively and literally in sh@*. Please help!!!

 

[Eggscaping]

I have a large run 400 square feet, and 13 chickens. Over the hard winter I inadvertently created a giant compost by adding straw, laying scraps and the chicken activity. Now in spring, the whole run smells like a compost, and is soggy with a think crust you can walk on. I’ve tried to rake etc. the compost material is about 12” deep. I know I probably have to break the crust and shovel out all I can and start fresh, but suggestions for preventing this in the future? Sand? Wood chips? I am knee deep figuratively and literally in sh@*. Please help!!!

Check out the "Deep litter method" posts here. I've seen lots of people say that's the best way to deal with chicken run 'flooring'. I believe there's even a featured post up top right now talking about it.
It's what we plan to do.

 

[Ashchicken]

I need advice for the run, not the coop bedding. Can’t find any??

 

[21hens-incharge]

Deep litter works in a run as long as the materials hardware proper for it.

Straw and hay tend to mat and it becomes anaerobic (without air) it needs air to function correctly.

If you have a spade fork it helps to break it up that way.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Ames-291...l13=&veh=sem&gclid=CNaBw5i-3-ICFQrWwAodRtQDjg

@aart uses deep litter in her run quite effectively.

 

[Ashchicken]

What materials and hardware would I need. I can’t find any articles that are useful.

 

[DobieLover]

What materials and hardware would I need. I can’t find any articles that are useful.

I use aged wood chips and @aart does too. They prevent everything from compacting.

 

[Ashchicken]

Could please be more specific? Just woodchips on the dirt?

 

[21hens-incharge]

I believe yes it is coarse wood chips, no die or chemicals added.

https://www.familyhandyman.com/garden/mulch-guide/

This link has a picture of wood chips. It may be helpful.

 

[DobieLover]

Could please be more specific? Just woodchips on the dirt?

Yes, I just put about a 4" layer down. The chickens scratch it up when they are in there. I will caveat this by saying that my run is well drained. Any low areas will pool water and that is always going to lead to a stinky mess.

 

[Alaskan]

If water sits in the run I don't think anything will work well....

I would shovel out all of the horror, clean it out down to clean dirt then fill in the run until the run is above ground level, so all water will run out of the run.