Run flooring

[Redbirdacres]

This is a puc of our coop and run (for now, we'll make improvements next spring). Of course the chickens ate all the grass quickly and now its dirt and now thats it fall with the rain coming, muddy sludgy mess! What do you out down on your outdoor runs? Ethel was a total diety mess this morning From what ive been reading, I'd prefer not to use sand. Thanks!

 

[DobieLover]

I use a thick layer of woodchips that I get for free from a local Highway department.

Getting the rest of the roof on your run covered will go a long way towards reducing the mud.

 

[Aunt Angus]

Pine shavings, leaves, wood chips, pine needles - a little bit of everything. For rainy climates, I've read great things about shredded mulch.

 

[Redbirdacres]

I use a thick layer of woodchips that I get for free from a local Highway department.
View attachment 3256395

Getting the rest of the roof of your run covered will go a long way towards reducing the mud.

Yes we plan to do that also. This is just what came with the kenneling

 

[Aunt Angus]

Yes we plan to do that also. This is just what came with the kenneling

You'll be much happier that way.

 

[3KillerBs]

Where, in general, are you located? Climate matters.

The northern hemisphere is headed for fall and will soon have an abundance of dry leaves available or, in my area, pine straw.

Any dry organic material can be used -- wood chips, wood shavings, straw, pine straw, leaves, dried grass clippings, undyed mulch, ground corncobs, rice hulls, etc.

 

[Nyhillbillies]

I use a thick layer of woodchips that I get for free from a local Highway department.
View attachment 3256395

Getting the rest of the roof on your run covered will go a long way towards reducing the mud.

I use a thick layer of woodchips that I get for free from a local Highway department.
View attachment 3256395

Getting the rest of the roof on your run covered will go a long way towards reducing the mud.

You are brave! The freebie wood chips could contain ditch/road debris, shredded poisonous plants, etc. We learned the hard way.

 

[Nyhillbillies]

Leaves and/or hay, I would think, would grow mold when wet. Unless, perhaps, you build a false floor with pallets and put your bedding on top??

 

[Nyhillbillies]

This is a puc of our coop and run (for now, we'll make improvements next spring). Of course the chickens ate all the grass quickly and now its dirt and now thats it fall with the rain coming, muddy sludgy mess! What do you out down on your outdoor runs? Ethel was a total diety mess this morning From what ive been reading, I'd prefer not to use sand. Thanks!View attachment 3256383

Can you fence in an area for them attached to the run?? So they can free range? Doesn’t need to be predator proof, cuz the run is…..

 

[3KillerBs]

Leaves and/or hay, I would think, would grow mold when wet. Unless, perhaps, you build a false floor with pallets and put your bedding on top??

Not necessarily.

Some materials will pack, mat, and mold under certain circumstances, but if the area is well-drained, the layers aren't put in too thickly, and the chickens are encouraged to keep it turned and fluffed (toss treats into the area that needs work), they are usually fine.

A mix of materials can be less likely to pack and mat.