Raking litter in the run through winter?

[Feathers Brady]

Hi!
I'm sure this has been discussed before but, I'd like to know if the run area is semi muddy/snowy if it's a good idea to rake the coop litter into the run? I plan on DLM inside the coop and thought I'd clean out now and start over now that old man winter is home.
Any suggestions or opinions are appreciated.
Tell me how you handle wintertime runs!
Thanks!!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Yes you can. If you have fallen leaves they work wonderfully as a base. After it freezes hay or straw will work well too.

 

[GC-Raptor]

I clean my raised coops weekly or biweekly and dump it into their pen. Leaves also go in there. I toss Scratch Grains on top daily for them to search for and turn over. GC

 

[Feathers Brady]

Alrighty then!! Just came inside, the run is ready for 2" of snow by morning.
The girls are pleased as well. Lots of leaves, litter, straw. At least three inches deep . New tarps strapped on and a north wind block. I think we're good to go!
Thanks OHLDN@GC!! I just needed reassurence.

 

[ronott1]

We do not get show here. I add hay to the run and turn it in when the run is dry enough in the winter. We have no rain from spring to winter here

 

[Feathers Brady]

Jealous!
I'm ok with snow. It's this 20 degree low and barely getting to 30 the next day. Even colder next week.

 

[ronott1]

Jealous!
I'm ok with snow. It's this 20 degree low and barely getting to 30 the next day. Even colder next week.

I do get to see snow when I go to visit my Mom in the Mountains.

That is enough for me!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I always love the snow into December. After February it starts to get old especially if it comes with -20's with -40 wind chills. Those I could do without.

 

[aart]

I bolster the run bedding(which is never raked or 'cleaned') in fall,
make sure there lots of big wood chips to soak up the muck at thaw.
I keep part of the run shoveled for access and good footing(for me and the birds), a path all along it to keep mesh roof cleared, a place for them to walk(we got a LOT of snow here) and to shorten snow melt season. I put down a thin layer of straw when it gets icy.