Run Question

[5peeps]

Ok so I need to figure out the floor of my run . A couple things I was wondering.

Can you put soil mixed with some gravel in the run or do you have to worry about the chicks eating the gravel ?

O.K.

Next one

Cleaning the run ?

So if I have soil A.K.A ground in the run can I just go in once a week and mix the pooh into the soil with my Weedivator . Will the loose soil bother or be bad for the chickens ?

here are a couple picture's of my run in case someone has a better idea for me .

Thanks
Will

 

[LynneP]

If you were able to put a simple roof on that run you'd solve a lot of the things you're wondering about. Any chance that could be done?

 

[ChickenToes]

I don't think loose soil will bother the birds, it will make it easier for them to scratch it all up and find bugs.

As for myself, I don't worry about cleaning the run. The rain washes everything away, and they scratch so much that most of the poo ends up buried anyway.

 

[5peeps]

Quote:
Thanks for the reply I am a little unclear , so if I put a roof on the run what is that going to solve ?

 

[Firefyter-Emt]

I highly dobut you will ever have a problem with your run. Well, mostly because you forgot to build the door at the top of that gang plank!

I think with one that small, I would go with sand. Better yet, I read that the stuff that you fill the gaps in brick walk ways is even better. I hear it has lime in it already.

I too would add a roof over the run so you can keep it dry and secure.

 

[5peeps]

Quote:
I have hardware cloth over the top because it is under a big cedar it really only gets wet wet when it down pours which in washington is not that often but if it becomes an issue I will put a roof on it . I made it so I could put the plastic transparent Roofing sheets on if need be . I want to stay away from the sand because we have 3 wild cats in my hood and they already crap in my flower beds
and if the chickens kick the sand all over . Just my thinking . I would really like to put soil in there and mix the pooh in and over time spread it over my yard and garden then fill it back up and start over .

regards
will