Nasty Run

[Chicken03]

Over the course of the summer the run has been getting worse. Its almost all mud.

I've put straw and grass clippings in it but that dosen't work to well. Any ideas?

 

[onthespot]

the more organic (living or previously living) material you put in there, the nastier it will get. You need to put inorganic (rock, sand) in there to get it nice again. The other stuff just rots and turns slimy.

 

[al6517]

Quote:
Well said and correct, I layed concrete in my runs and it was easier than you think. I just busted open the dry bags spread and raked it smooth then hosed it down really good, used a short 2'- 2"x4" nailed to a longer one to use as a float to smooth it. worked great and dried overnight. now I just sprinkle in the hay and when it's time I just rake it up shovel it out and hose it off. easy peezy Japaneezy.

AL

 

[onthespot]

MAN! That sounds too easy! I have been wanting do a huge slab but I don't want to pay $10k for it! It would just be for exactly like you describe. I could put aviaries etc...and a shelter over it and it would clean up really easy... Hmmmm.... this changes things.... THANKS!!!

 

[Chicken03]

Ok thanks I will try putting rock or sand in it.

 

[patandchickens]

Check out the "fixing a muddy run" link in my .sig, below, for a bunch of ideas (all of which boil down to, minimize moisture getting in and improve drainage as much as possible)

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[georgialee]

I've also heard that some people till up the run... it helps get all the nasty stuff down and the chickens love the bugs, etc. that are turned up. If you have or know someone that has a tiller you can borrow that would be an easy fix.

 

[cmom]

My run is sand and I just spray it with the hose daily. The grade is slight which let the water drain and it quickly disappears in the sand.