Run question

[wjohchicks]

Hello!

First non-introductory post. I know that there are MANY posts about runs but my brain is hurting from trying to get my answer LOL.

We live in Central Ohio and have an existing covered run that was at our house when it was built. The floor of it is just dirt. I know that this won't be okay for our girls when they move out there (hopefully very soon!). So what should I put down that is best for the crazy weather that happens here.

Just wood chips? Does it matter what kind?

Sand then wood chips?

 

[21hens-incharge]

Pictures really help us to understand what you are dealing with. Sometimes the size of the run affects how it is best managed.

You get a lot of rain right?

@aart used wood chips but a specific type of chip that works really well.

Straw tends to matt and mold.

I am in the desert so have very different needs in the run.

 

[aart]

Can depend on your goals.
How big is your run, in feet by feet, and how many birds are in it??
Can you post some pics of your run, please?

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

 

[wjohchicks]

Will post pics later today!

 

[Ridgerunner]

My run is just dirt. It works well for me but it is on a slight rise so it drains pretty well and I put in a swale above it to keep rainwater runoff out. How well does that area drain when it gets wet? Does rainwater run into it at ground level. It being covered will help but rain blows in from the side, it will still get wet.

I'll include a good article on fixing muddy runs. It might give you some ideas or point out something obvious.

Pat’s Big Ol' Mud Page (fixing muddy runs):

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/how-to-fix-a-muddy-run-chicken-coop.47807/

Aart asked some good questions. Just knowing size can help. There are many different ways to fix problems if you really have one, which way is best will depend on your unique situation. Is your soil clay or sand now? Is it in a low spot or does the water have some place to drain to?

Some people put in a type of French drain. Some might top the run with sand. Some might add a layer of gravel to keep the sand from disappearing into clay so fast, then top it with sand. In my coop I added a few inches of clay to keep water out and topped that with wood shavings. Some people turn their run into a compost pile, that might be a possibility for you. Some toss pallets or something in there so they and the chickens can be out of the mud when it is wet. Some people put some type of bedding in the run to soak up the water and then remove that wet bedding. It hurts to even think about doing that, my poor back, but some people do. Some people are successful just adding bedding and leaving it.

I don't have a clue what I'd suggest for you, not sure what you are working with. But thanks for including your location, it helps to know your climate.

 

[wjohchicks]

 

[Ridgerunner]

Thanks for the photos. What kind of materials is that building it butts up against made from? It looks like the base could be concrete or cinder blocks, which would be good, but the siding looks like the bottom has rotted. If you put bedding against something that can rot it will rot if it is at all damp plus you give termites a hidden route into the building. Not sure exactly what is going on but that may argue against piling a lot of organic material in there that can hold moisture.

That roof should keep water from getting it too wet, depending some on which way the wind is blowing. I can't tell for sure how the ground is sloping but it doesn't look too bad. I'd be tempted to leave it as it is and see how it goes. If it is a problem I'd probably try some sand first.

 

[Acre4Me]

Hello from OH! Your run has a roof and is up against a barn building. Both help to moderate the rain. Wood chips are good. Adding some sand to the dirt would be good for their dust bath, and some clean wood ash would be a good addition too.

We have a flat yard and the chicken run and coop are behind the barn, so usually protected from the prevailing winds. Only part of the run is covered. However, the run area is slightly elevated, a mix of dirt and sand with deep litter over the exposed areas not under roof. Works well, no pooling or running water).

 

[BY Bob]

My hens have created their own mounded run. They seem to prefer digging around the perimeter which has created a mound in the middle and helped with any run off. I'm in PA and my run is roofed. Only rain comes from the sides. I have found straw be fine for controlling any mud. I simply put a bale in the run and the hens spread it by tearing it apart. It has taken my 3 hens more than a year to tear apart and use up 1 bale.

 

[wjohchicks]

Thanks all!!