Sand. I have a 10' x 40' run, and I battle with lots of mud all the time. I finally decided to get sand and what a difference! Because of cost, I had to add sand gradually. I get 50lbs of playground sand for just under $4 a bag at Home Depot. It definitely would be more cost effective to get a truck load of sand, as opposed to getting it by the bag, but I couldn't afford the upfront cost. I started by putting it where the run needed it most. Eventually, I've been able to apply it to almost all of the run. What I love is that not only does it help soak up the mud, but the chicken poop clumps in the sand, which makes picking up poop a piece of cake. I like it so much, that I now use it in the coop. Unfortunately a lovely little mole has decided to create a few quite a few mountains in my run, ruining the sand and replacing it with the lovely clay mud we have. I will be off to get more sand this weekend.
