Tilling a run

[wendy2012]

So I have a run that I have extended today since I joined my new run to the old one. So now I have one end with sand and the other with grass. So was thinking, maybe I'll try tilling the soil. How does that work and any smell? I was using sand so one end will be a mix of sand and soil and other end soil. Should I put a roof on my run so soil wont become mud? I think if I I till the soil as of I'm about to make a garden the soil will be healthy and not stinky if I do it once a month at least. What do you think?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

That depends on a lot of things. Do you plan on planting things for the chickens to forage on?
Whether it gets muddy and smelly depends on if it is in a low spot or on a slope or knoll.
Whether to roof it depends on if you want it naturally watered (for plant growth). If not growing plants (not grass) a roof would be better. If growing plants, would sun get to the run if roofed?

 

[wendy2012]

So I have a run that I have extended today since I joined my new run to the old one. So now I have one end with sand and the other with grass. So was thinking, maybe I'll try tilling the soil. How does that work and any smell? I was using sand so one end will be a mix of sand and soil and other end soil. Should I put a roof on my run so soil wont become mud? I think if I I till the soil as of I'm about to make a garden the soil will be healthy and not stinky if I do it once a month at least. What do you think?

it is right next to our wood fence. So there might be a light incline since grass grows against fence. When it rains I noticed sand can get slightly wet but more on the dry side. I read sand can get cold in winter too for chicken maybe even freeze. I think thats one reason I'm siding with tilling soil. dunno how ill till in winter if soil frozen lol Yes, def need a roof...need to install one before fall cold months...thanks on info!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

You can't till when frozen and you shouldn't till when soil is wet. That will mess up the soil consistency and contribute to compaction which makes growing things very difficult.
The reason chicken yards are devoid of vegetation isn't because they like to eat grass. It is due to soil compaction and excess phosphorus from feces.
While they will eat some, grass is one of the worst things for chickens. It isn't nutritious and too fibrous. Better options are tender forbs like clover, alfalfa, turnips, beets, radish, buckwheat(summer) and peas(winter)

 

[aart]

What do you think?

A lot of work and probably not too effective.
The poop needs to decompose or it will stink,
you need carbon(wood chippings, dry plant matter) for that to happen.

 

[bradymars]

When you till the ground add some type S Lime and till in. You can get it Home Depot. Refreshes the dirt and kills off worms and other bad stuff. You don’t have to do this every month maybe twice a year. Keep plenty of bedding down and your chickens will do good.