Watering the run?

[drinkoj]

My run is covered and at the top of a slope so only the edges of the run get wet when it rains. I pitchfork turn the run every month or so just to turn it. It's about 3" to 5" in height depending where the chickens have kicked the pine shavings. I know that water helps the materials breakdown quicker and the moisture, attract different insects which my chickens can eat. So is it worth spraying a light coating of water on the run material at night when I put the chickens in the coop?

 

[humblehillsfarm]

My run is covered and at the top of a slope so only the edges of the run get wet when it rains. I pitchfork turn the run every month or so just to turn it. It's about 3" to 5" in height depending where the chickens have kicked the pine shavings. I know that water helps the materials breakdown quicker and the moisture, attract different insects which my chickens can eat. So is it worth spraying a light coating of water on the run material at night when I put the chickens in the coop?

It might stink pretty bad if you do that, I would think.

 

[3KillerBs]

Could be 6 of one, half dozen of the other.

On the one hand, moisture encourages composting of the poop and bedding. On the other hand, too much moisture can cause an odor.

You might try it on part of the run to see if it seems to be a benefit or a drawback in your specific, individual situation.