Swamp Run?

[CookieChicken18]

Hello everyone! It has been raining a lot where I live for a few months and my chicken coop has turned into a swamp. I sprinkle hay in their coop for a temporary fix but it only works for a few days and then it rains again.

I can tell that my chickens are not enjoying it, and I don't enjoy sinking up to my ankles every time I need to go in and get their water! Does anyone know the best way to combat the water that builds in the run when it rains?

Thanks!

 

[Folly's place]

Better drainage! Dig a trench to drain things better. If you've built it on low ground, either raise the ground level, move it uphill, or find a way to make this a non-issue. Chickens do not do well in Camp Swampy! Roofing the run is a very good thing too, but still, if all the rain runs to the run, it has to be diverted somehow.
Mary

 

[rosemarythyme]

2x on address drainage issue and/or move the coop. For a temporary fix you can throw down some pallets to create dry islands for the chickens, or get a lot of wood chips and put in a good 3 or 4 inches at least. It won't stop the water from standing in the run but it'll at least give the chickens some dry footing for the time being.

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

Roofing the run would help to solve your problems.

 

[True Patriot]

It would be better to see what the run looks like. If you can post some pics it will make it easier to see the construction and layout. Off the top of my head, drainage has already been mentioned. What type of soil do you have? If it's clay adding some sand may help it to drain and firm up faster. A ditch around the lower side and a raised berm on the upper side will help divert runoff. Doesn't have to be huge. 2 inches deep and high can be a good difference. You could also use plastic lawn edging on the uphill side. Adding islands is also a good idea. As noted, pallets or similar items work. A roof will prevent flooding from direct rain fall. Keep the sides open for ventilation, the more air circulation the faster it will dry. Good luck.

 

[blackdog043]

A picture will help a lot, so we can see what your talking about.