Run Question (poo question)

[MelindaK]

Do you typically clean a run? If so, put anything over it to later rake up?

We are going to have a fixed run not a moveable one. Hubby was asking if can rake it and put in compost pile. ????? What do most do? Thanks!!

 

[elmo]

I have sand in my runs, which makes it very easy to clean up. I use a kitty litter scoop every day to pick up the obvious poo, and then every week or so I rake over the sand. Periodically I add fresh sand, too.

 

[rancher hicks]

I have a run and I put a bale of straw in it and just them have fun tearing it apart. I do have a cover so it stays as dry as possible and throw scratch in it to keep them busy. I also clean it on occasion when it gets real messy and throw the stuff in my garden beds. You can put it in your compost pile if you have one. Sometimes I just rake it into a pile in the run and let them recirculate the stuff some more. I don't like to use hay cuz that's what I put in the next boxes. You can also throw greens and what ever else is good for your garden. If it gets wet or stinky, time for cleaning. Mines 8W x24 L x 6H. I cover it in plastic in the winter on 2 sides but you could do three. This year I plan to modify it so it's 5 on one side and 6 on the other so I can cover the top in the winter. I didn't last winter and now I have to make repairs due to snow damage.

 

[NJbirdlover]

I rake up grass clippings in the summer everytime we mow. I put it in the middle of the run in a huge pile...It's like Christmas morning for them. Winter was muddy until I added some sand. Works very well for us!

 

[mistyfeather]

i plan to have mine covered in gras clippings, dried leaves , and pine needles with a little hay thrown in,and an area of sand for them to play in.

 

[enggass]

What kind of sand is being used by all?
Steve

 

[NJbirdlover]

Quote:
we just used regular ole' sand from our local lumber store, they delivered it to us...same sand we used under our pool

 

[scooter147]

I don't do a thing.
I put the old bedding from the coop in the run ( I clean out the coop a minimum 3 times a years). I also put raked leave and grass clippings in my run. Not sure what happens to all this but it all disappears.

 

[chickerdoodle]

We are planning on playground sand in our covered run. I've heard so many folks loving it and how easy it is to scoop out the poo every day or two (which can be put in the compost pile) so we are "sold" on it. It will be a permanent covered run. We will also have another two other areas for them that's not covered for nice days to give them some cut hay such as alfalfa and sweet grass or a tractor (partially covered if needed) for them to hunt for bugs and other yummies.

 

[CityChook]

I just use plain ol' playground sand. I rake it when it looks ratty, maybe once a month. Or when I need a laugh -- seeing those chicken footprints all over the place cracks me up.
Poo just filters down and goes away. It's magical.

If there's leaf, shavings or poo matter in the stuff I rake up, yes, I put it in my compost pile.

Happy Spring!