S.O.S.

[ck18]

so i live in mount Vernon WA its north of Seattle and we get ALOT of rain and it doesn't feel fare to have the chickens constantly in mud when they go out in their run does anyone have any ideas of how to fix this ? anyone know of any special bedding or plants i could grow anything? cause i feel dirt and mud just isn't an option

 

[chicmom]

SAND! It's perfect for wet areas. And you can rake it out nicely. Chickens love to dust bath in it too, when it's dry.

 

[ck18]

Sand? ive never heard of it being used but it sounds like it would work wonderfully thank you chicmom

 

[yellowirenut]

if i had it to do over again I would do a layer of pea gravel and then the sand...about 6" of sand

But just the 3" layer of sand i have over clay soil is a lot better drainage than just the dirt.

 

[Clay Mudd]

Here's a pretty in-depth article about dealing with mud:

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

 

[chicmom]

You are welcome!

Sand? ive never heard of it being used but it sounds like it would work wonderfully thank you chicmom

 

[Brahmamama4]

Hey I'm in Washington too and I use sand in my run. It works wonderfully! I also use about 6" of it. Good luck!

 

[karlamaria]

do you have a top on your runs? I have a top on mine and it stays dry as I tarp the side the rain flows. my state gets tons of snow, but with a top over the run and tarps it stays toasty dry. with the snow and rain, my chickens would be slaughtered in mud. my run is only 10x12 ( son to be 10x15 but it will have a new top on it made of tin. slanted so the run off hits the back hedges.