putting sod in the run

[Anny]

I remember a post, forever ago, about some one who put sod down in their run yearly.

I might be able to get my hands on some nice free organic sod in a few weeks, and I was wondering if this worked for anyone?

Did the grass actually stay for any amount of time?


My run is 12X18 feet with 5 chickens.

 

[CityChook]

Hey, if it was free and organic, you bet I'd put it down. The chookies will love it. Would I expect it to take hold and stay? No, not so much. They'll scratch it up and poo all over it, so it won't last long. But hey, it will be good for now...

 

[kingmt]

I would not think it would last any time at all but I don't really know. I will at least bump it to the top for you.

 

[C_Dzchicks]

I remember that post too. I suggested creating a small fenced off area to give them a treat to scratch around in once a week for a day/half day or whatever and just get them off of it before they damage it irreparably, let it fluff up again and give em round two. Just an idea, otherwise, like everybody says, it'll be toast in no time.

 

[patandchickens]

when I put cut-off sod (from expanding my garden beds) into the run, it is basically disintegrated by the next day. Of course it depends on how much sod and how many chcikens, but still.

But you know, if it is FREE, go for it!

Pat

 

[Anny]

I really can't say no to free things

I'm worried it will die simply cus I'd forget to water it, does sod need alot of water?

 

[yfchoice]

Sod in the run is going to need NO water.........it's not going to last that long.

 

[patandchickens]

Quote:
No, it will die because chickens immediately atomize it with their beaks and feet. Very quickly. REally truly honestly, watering is NOT going to be ANY sort of an issue (!!)

Pat

 

[ducks4you]

You might want to put grass clippings in. I DO--I don't use ANY herbicides or insecticides on my lawn, however.

The LAST time I tried chickens (2007), and I ended up with 5 roosters, I decided to keep the 1 hen, and NOT build a house.

They all stripped the 10 x 10 enclosure of grass. Also, I feed them in old rubber horse feeding bowls. They hold lots of food. THe chickens spilled LOTS of food from the bowls. After 3 months of wasted food I had a slime ALL over the ground!! YUCK!!

I'm SO used to mucking up after my horses, that I really don't mind the idea of cleaning up used clippings and piling them up for compost. This is just everyday work.

Just an opinion...