Very Muddy run

[RavenClawPekin6]

I've got 2 Khaki's and the run is VERY VERY MUDDY and I would like to put something down before winter starts (not that it's sunny in the summer!). I used to have rolled grass in it but they ate it and it washed away

. Any suggestions?

On another subject, good luck to the Kilkenny Hurlers and management on Sunday against Galway.
UP THE CATS!

 

[Debs Flock]

I have the same problem and I'm hoping to get something down before winter. I had someone suggest landscape cloth covered with river rock and I think that's what I'll be doing. I was also wondering about that real short artificial turf like used on a putting green. Hope we both come up with something good!

 

[lomine]

Here is a recent post about artificial turf.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...f-3-yrs-and-counting-with-ducks#post_15766841

I'm currently in the process of building my coop and run. I plan to have half the run with pea gravel and half deep litter method. I'll just have to see how it goes.

 

[needlessjunk]

I use mulch in the muddy areas and around the water bowls. I think the best thing is to try to manage the mud before it get out of hand.

 

[Amiga]

A few tips - not a one size fits all, just ideas that may help, or spawn other ideas

a 2% slope in the pen - water needs to run off.

a shallow channel at the low end to a garden bed or mulch pile

water containers on pea gravel or sand

high-carbon bedding material to combine with manure and make a nice-smelling compost base. This tends to drain pretty well, and attracts worms (free food).

 

[jak2002003]

Course river sand and gravel.

Chuck a load in there several inches deep. The water will drain through it.

Cover the run to prevent excess rain getting into it too.

Put a slope in there so any water runs off and out.

Hand up the water containers so the chickens won't spill the water.