Run.. Right or Wrong ?

[Sissy]

Opa thanks , I will be able to use it for my veg. garden
but wont it smell from getting wet
from the rain or snow thats what I understand
straw stinks to the high heaven when wet.

 

[Opa]

Never noticed much smell with wet straw. Hay was a different matter. However, either one or even grass clippings makes excellent mulch for the garden and a day or two in the sun will take care of any smell.

 

[chicachic]

OPA I looked at you BYC page and saw your great looking coop and yard. It looks like a veg garden attached. I was wondering how sand keeps the ground from getting wet/ mushy for the chickens feet because I see you have no covering over their yard (?) Even with sand on the ground thier yard gets wet. theres a good bit of sun getting to it , too. I have been racking my brain trying tofigure out how to put a roof on top of the yard to keep the rain out. This yard also has ducks living in it and they don't mind the rain.

 

[Opa]

Quote:
My run is 16'x16' plus there is a chicken sized gate that opens into the garden. I have my run covered with a heavy duty mesh and that acts as a pretty good sun diffuser. I rake the run occasionally and top dress it with a little more sand. I think sprinkle a little DE and Sevin on that and lightly rake it in. While the sand does get wet when it rains there is no mud. I also have a covered roost inside the run to provide additional shade if they want it. The chickens are only allow access to the garden area from Mid October thru mid May.

 

[Dixiedoodle]

I threw down straw in my run and really regret it!! It's so wet and heavy and the girls have thrown dirt on top of it, making it impossible to remove.. NEVER again... I have placed a top on my run and when it dries out, some, I'll remove the straw..

 

[chicachic]

Opa...Thanks for info. I guess I just think that the ground should always be dry. They do have a large shed/coop that is dry but, of course they can't get any sun in there that's why I wanted the ground to be dry. I plan on building a covered area just for a roost. Do you keep the food and water under there also, or inside the coop? Thanks again. I'm a female in late 50's with arthritis so believe me, things are tough LOL!!!

 

[Opa]

Chickachick, I have a Kuhl 50# range feeder in the run. http://www.cutlersupply.com/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=11_59_56&products_id=395 While the $70 cost seemed like a lot of money for a feeder, it soon paid for itself by eliminating wasted feed.

 

[Sissy]

Dixiedoodle , dont feel bad I made the same mistake.
But I found out here on BYC to get it out ASAp
I was able to get most out so it wont be too bad to rake the rest
Im just waiting for a dry day to add crush and Gravel and sand on top but it will wait.
great advice from BYC r
JimWwhite and OPa are so helpfull.
our snow is almost gone, but 28 here and drizzling.

 

[possumqueen]

When you get the wet straw out of the run (what a pain!) stack it up somewhere, cover it with dry straw, and wait until spring. With the chicken poo in it, it should cook and turn into compost. If it's really really wet, then layer it with dry straw to soak up the excess moisture.

It'll make great tomato growing compost!!

 

[Sissy]

Well We are again to get snow this week end

and its raining now so I have to get more planks out there
My poor flock is in the mud again .

what else can I do for now until we get some dry
weather. and I can get the sand and gravel down.
I have put a step ladder in the run
so they can get off the wet ,
their coop is dry but
theres no door to lock them up in their coop.
their run is
connected to their coop. any ideas
for a temperery fix.

Sissy