Sand in uncovered run

[sbct]

We have an uncovered run for our chickens and ducks. We have not had a covered run for years and have never had an issue anywhere we lived. My questioin is, since we have ducks and chickens the run is getting very kidding and messy. Can we put a layer of constructioin sand down on the ground inside the coop? We use the sand in the coop and love it but I never tried it in an open run. Since it drains well, I would imagine it would be ok to use to clean up the run a little. Thanks all.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Some like sand in the run others don't. It can depend on your climate and how wet you are. Wet sand can be harder to clean and the poop can quickly get stinky in wet sand.

 

[member 373180]

I am close to you (western WV) so probably similar climate. I have sand (maybe 4-6"?) in a well-drained uncovered run. It works great, no smell, but I do turn it every week. If not, it packs down and smelly stuff grows in the depths.

 

[Tlmcq]

If the soil under sand drains well but if not it acts like a sponge and can hold water and freeze in winter. I use sand in coop and love it but hated it in my uncovered run. If you do have good drainage it will work but like previous post says you must turn it often as top layer may dry but under that is wet and breeding smelly yuck.

 

[sbct]

Thanks for the responses guys.