Pea gravel substrate questions and results thread

[Enigmius]

I'm creating a thread for those curious about the use of pea gravel or river rock in their duck runs/coops, and for those that currently do use or have used river rock or pea gravel in their runs/coops so that information about planning and results is more available.

So I guess I'll start.
I am building my coop/run currently. I'm almost done and am going to look at what is available in the form of pea gravel and or river rock. My covered coop/run sits on a sloping 1.3 acre yard. Just guessing I would say it slopes about a foot over a distance of 16 feet. The coop/run is 8 feet wide and 16 feet long for my four runner ducks. I'm hoping that when I put in the thick layer of gravel or river rock, that it will drain easily when I hose it down.

I am personally curious about those that are currently using gravel or river rock and their results. I'm also curious about photos. So if you have photos please fill free to post them here also. I'm sure I will add questions, and perhaps other will too.

 

[TheGoldenGirlz]

I currently just have wood chips and other natural things, but I’ve always wondered if pea gravel would work. Interesting thread!

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Hi there.

I used washed river sand... to me no different other than shape from pea gravel.... When it rains it stinks to high heaven around the edges of my covered run. When it's dry and you scoop... poo dust floating everywhere.

I guess if you are hosing prolific amounts of water through it... maybe.

Highly recommend the deep litter method... or I like semi deep litter, meaning I remove what waste I can see. It really works... attracting a whole host of beneficial microbes and bugs to combat all the non beneficials. And it drains extremely well... think like the forest floor. Dry sand (gravel) or dirt is a breeding ground for yuck IMHO and experience.

 

[PirateGirl]

Following. I'm always wondering if there's a better system than what I currently do, but not yet convinced it's worth having a truck dump a load of sand or gravel. I know run management also varies with climate/amount of precipitation.

 

[chickens really]

I have pea gravel and river rock as a base for my Ducks I then have Sand over top because it dries quickly and easier on the feet..

 

[Enigmius]

Hi there.

I used washed river sand... to me no different other than shape from pea gravel.... When it rains it stinks to high heaven around the edges of my covered run. When it's dry and you scoop... poo dust floating everywhere.

I guess if you are hosing prolific amounts of water through it... maybe.

Highly recommend the deep litter method... or I like semi deep litter, meaning I remove what waste I can see. It really works... attracting a whole host of beneficial microbes and bugs to combat all the non beneficials. And it drains extremely well... think like the forest floor. Dry sand (gravel) or dirt is a breeding ground for yuck IMHO and experience.

Right. I was afraid of sand, because how does one rinse or clean sand? I just assumed that larger river rocks or pebbles that are smooth could be hosed down and then raked occasionally to turn over.

 

[Michael P]

If you are right about the fall in your 16' run, the slope is 6.25%. This is plenty for drainage, the water should easily run through the gravel and out the low side.

Personally, I use deep litter and/or wood chips in the run, with a kiddie pool outside the run that the ducks have access to when they free range in my fenced yard during the day.

 

[Enigmius]

I have pea gravel and river rock as a base for my Ducks I then have Sand over top because it dries quickly and easier on the feet..

Is your's a roofed run, meaning rain proof? Or does it have a caged top?

 

[chickens really]

Is your's a roofed run, meaning rain proof? Or does it have a caged top?

Yes all my tops are covered either with tarps over wire or completely roofed..

 

[Duckiewuckie]

I'm creating a thread for those curious about the use of pea gravel or river rock in their duck runs/coops, and for those that currently do use or have used river rock or pea gravel in their runs/coops so that information about planning and results is more available.

So I guess I'll start.
I am building my coop/run currently. I'm almost done and am going to look at what is available in the form of pea gravel and or river rock. My covered coop/run sits on a sloping 1.3 acre yard. Just guessing I would say it slopes about a foot over a distance of 16 feet. The coop/run is 8 feet wide and 16 feet long for my four runner ducks. I'm hoping that when I put in the thick layer of gravel or river rock, that it will drain easily when I hose it down.

I am personally curious about those that are currently using gravel or river rock and their results. I'm also curious about photos. So if you have photos please fill free to post them here also. I'm sure I will add questions, and perhaps other will too.

I use pea gravel under my kiddie pool in my duck pen ... It is great except for it tends to wash downhill a bit when I dump the pool