Retaining bedding in the coop.

[Ichthyguy]

I have a relatively dry chicken run however with the latest rains had issues. Water running through the chicken run and soaking bedding that has been pulled out of the coop by the chickens. It was a complete mess of 4 inches of slop.

I have room to add a couple pieces of blocking at the door to prevent some of the bedding leaving the coop.

This is when I had an idea to cut the end off the end of a snow scraper and use the brush at the door. Do you think this would be a good idea to retain the bedding and possibly clean the bottoms of the chickens too?

It would kind of resemble the boots scrapes the people have at their doors however the brushes would not be as rigid.

 

[DobieLover]

I have a relatively dry chicken run however with the latest rains had issues. Water running through the chicken run and soaking bedding that has been pulled out of the coop by the chickens. It was a complete mess of 4 inches of slop.

I have room to add a couple pieces of blocking at the door to prevent some of the bedding leaving the coop.

This is when I had an idea to cut the end off the end of a snow scraper and use the brush at the door. Do you think this would be a good idea to retain the bedding and possibly clean the bottoms of the chickens too?

It would kind of resemble the boots scrapes the people have at their doors however the brushes would not be as rigid.

Pictures of your set up would be helpful.
I would try to divert water from the run and/or improve it's escape. Also, what are you using for run litter?
I wouldn't use the brush. The chickens will not walk through it they will hop over it (if they can) so no butt cleaning services will be provided there.
Just attach a board across the opening and raise up the ramp to that height if you have a ramp. Again, pictures are very useful.

 

[Ichthyguy]

the main area of my run is 24'x12'. The 24' length runs perpendicular to the natural slope of the ground. I use Guardian horse bedding (pine shavings) both large and small flake. see attached photos

The wood blocking at the entrance will work to help retain more of the shavings. I just thought I had an epiphany with the soft brush idea.

 

[rosemarythyme]

A good lip on the opening will keep the bedding in. Something as simple as a board across the doorway and held in place with bricks will do.

Also might want to consider investing in wood chips vs shavings for the run. Assuming there's no drainage issues chips will provide better drainage and they also just don't seem to get as soggy as shavings do.

 

[Ichthyguy]

Thanks for your advice. I don't add shavings to the run, they just get dragged out. I will add the blocking to prevent this