Run beddin?

[RyleeandMax]

Will your run be covered with a solid roof?
Not sure there's anything you can use for bedding that won't freeze solid in your climate.

My runs have semi-deep litter(cold composting), never clean anything out, just add smaller dry materials on occasion, add larger wood chippings as needed.
Aged ramial wood chippings are best IMO.

It all freezes in winter, some shoveling, good drainage and bedding keeps it from being a mess at snow melt time.

Mine will be covered. The only way that snow will get into the actual run, is if the wind blows, which will probably happen

 

[RyleeandMax]

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I use a deep litter/compost in both my coop and run, which consists of what ever yard waste/composable material I collect.

During winter I throw a bale of grass hay in the run. Living in North Idaho I’m sure my winters are pretty similar to yours in Montana.

The composting litter does put off some heat and rarely freezes. It also keeps the hens with some place to scratch around.

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Thanks for your input! I will check into that also!

 

[PotatoHead]

Mine will be covered. The only way that snow will get into the actual run, is if the wind blows, which will probably happen

I put up plastic drop cloth on the two weather prone sides of the run to keep the blowing snow/rain from blowing into the run. Plus it also has a green house type of affect with heat.