Need some advice for a sloped run/coop

[Faisonfarm]

Hi all. So our chicken coop and run is on a slope, we thought we did a good job getting it flattened out but unfortunately not. We have sand in our coop & with it being sloped it's coming out the front door constantly. It's also causing bald spots in the back. We have hardware cloth on the bottom as well. We live in GA where it gets pretty wet although the sand does dry quickly.

What else can I use for a sloped run/coop? And how can I keep it clean if I don't use sand?

 

[MapleLaurelFarms]

So are you talking about inside the coop? If so, I assume the sand is washing under and out your front door, but you shouldn't have water running through a coop anyway. Is there a way to divert the water or raise the floor? A temporary solution might be hardwood woodchips (pinebark is often too light and can float) but it's not the softest bedding.

Regarding keeping it clean, look up the deep litter or deep bedding method. Just turn occassionally and then clean out and compost seasonally or yearly. Many of us use it with great success.

 

[Faisonfarm]

So are you talking about inside the coop? If so, I assume the sand is washing under and out your front door, but you shouldn't have water running through a coop anyway. Is there a way to divert the water or raise the floor? A temporary solution might be hardwood woodchips (pinebark is often too light and can float) but it's not the softest bedding.

 

[Faisonfarm]

This is that the situation is. It does get "wet" to an extent but honestly not for long. It's more so of an issue with the bald spots in the back exposing the hardware cloth & coming out the front that I'm trying to resolve.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I'd consider a terrace. Put a board across the slope so you have different levels in there. If there is a gap under your bottom board, close it.

My guess is that it is caused more by them scratching in there than because of water. When they scratch gravity pulls it downhill.

 

[MapleLaurelFarms]

Ah okay so a small coop inside your run - makes sense. I still vote for woodchips. Since you're in GA, you might could mix chips in with pine needles, though Ive had trouble with any straw blowing and moving around in heavy wind.

 

[thecatumbrella]

How many inches of sand are in there? We dug our run 6" down, placed a 6" perimeter board above that, and loaded it with undyed mulch. It's only flood once in 3 years, but drained quickly and the mulch didn't move.

I agree with @MapleLaurelFarms that you'll need to address the water issue first.

 

[Faisonfarm]

No I'm

I'd consider a terrace. Put a board across the slope so you have different levels in there. If there is a gap under your bottom board, close it.

My guess is that it is caused more by them scratching in there than because of water. When they scratch gravity pulls it downhill.

That's a really good idea. Thank you!

 

[Faisonfarm]

Ah okay so a small coop inside your run - makes sense. I still vote for woodchips. Since you're in GA, you might could mix chips in with pine needles, though Ive had trouble with any straw blowing and moving around in heavy wind.

Ok and how do you clean the run then? Is that the deep litter method?

 

[Faisonfarm]

How many inches of sand are in there? We dug our run 6" down, placed a 6" perimeter board above that, and loaded it with undyed mulch. It's only flood once in 3 years, but drained quickly and the mulch didn't move.

I agree with @MapleLaurelFarms that you'll need to address the water issue first.

We did not dig into the ground much at all so maybe that was our first mistake. Thank you for that tip, we made need to do that.