Poll: run bedding

[Ol Grey Mare]

We have a roof over the top of the run because last winter the run was a muddy mess... if you know anything about Seattle weather you'll understand.

This is where deep litter really shines

 

[RAsChickens]

This is where deep litter really shines

I don't know what deep litter is... is it putting a few inches of litter in the run?

 

[aart]

I don't know what deep litter is... is it putting a few inches of litter in the run?

A few inches will work to reduce odors, deeper is better IF you use a well balanced mix of materials.


Here's a great description of contents and how to manage organic 'bedding' in a run or coop...and there's a great video of what it looks like.
http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1037998/muddy-run-help-please#post_16017992

I have a large walk in run, mesh roof, and never 'clean' poops from the run,
and there is rarely any nasty odors. The bedding of a good mix of dry plant materials use facilitates this nicely, it's basically no maintenance other than adding more material from time to time. I was able to start with a big load of tree trimmings from the power company that had been aged(6 months). I collect dry leaves in the fall (stored in feed bags in a shed) and add them occasionally, and other garden trimmings. I let my grass grow tall, mow and spread it out with discharge pattern, leave it to dry a few day, then push it into rows with the mower discharge, rake it up and add to run.

 

[hollymh]

I have dirt/sandy mix, I will throw hay in for them to scratch around but they need that dirt.

 

[ChickenMammX4]

I voted "other", we do Deep Litter