Run floor

[Mamatomany123]

So we are going to soon be in our rainy season. Our run is 35 x 25 and, of course, our chickens have tore up the ground and it is now just dirt. We're in West texas so it's a very sandy dirt but I know with rain it will become a muddy mess. 1/3 of the run is covered but the other 2/3 is not. It drains well also so we wont be dealing with pools of water. In your experience, what is the best to put down to help with mud? I've been considering straw but want advise from those of you who have been there, done that.

Thank you

 

[U_Stormcrow]

1. Grade the area away from the run to address the issues on those occasions when you do get heavy rains (I lived in Bastrop till 18 months ago - dry dry dry dry, flooded, dry...)

2. Straw is just fine. (Currently in the FL Panhandle, on sandy soil with high clay content. Its not as hard as the ground around Austin, but its close.)

 

[Mamatomany123]

1. Grade the area away from the run to address the issues on those occasions when you do get heavy rains (I lived in Bastrop till 18 months ago - dry dry dry dry, flooded, dry...)

2. Straw is just fine. (Currently in the FL Panhandle, on sandy soil with high clay content. Its not as hard as the ground around Austin, but its close.)

I a totally dont really know of it's going to be a huge muddy mess or not. Last year when it was mainly we still had grass in the section. I'm trying to prepare just in case though.

Also, where is the best place to buy straw, if you know? I'm having some trouble finding it for some reason.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Worst case, you can buy small bales of compacted straw from TSC, not too expensive. I go through about one a month or so, but needs WILL vary - my birds spend almost no time in their house, so they spend almost no time soiling the stuff.

Best case, you should see people with bales on the side of the road, even in Midlands (though I don't recall many). $100 should get you a wheel weighing around 1100#. Yes, half a ton! Transport is typically on you, so have a big truck and a way to unload when you get home. Will need to be protected from the weather, too.

Or, $12 a time at TSC, weighs 50#. But much more manageable.

 

[3KillerBs]

Do you have a source for aged wood chips?

If you search these forums for threads/posts about Deep Litter you'll find tons of information about using that method to keep your run clean and pleasant.