What bedding to use in chicken run that is poorly drained and wet

[annampet]

When I build the area up to the new spot, I still need to do more research, but I plan on putting down landscaping fabric, then a base of gravel topped with sand or dirt, or both. I heard that this allows drainage. I'll put the chicken run bedding on top of the soil, but I want to refrain from deep litter for the first few months incase it doesn't drain as well and go with something safer so I don't have a huge mess. However I'm not sure what "something safer" would be. (When I say safer I mean it won't mold or get nasty when it's often wet).

I was going to suggest this My new run is also in a low area (we moved in January) so it was a struggle this spring with moisture. I'm planning on putting down gravel, then sand, then some deep litter to help build it up and keep it dry.

 

[HippieAtHeart]

I have a water issue too unfortunately. I built up dirt/sod around my run to have the water flow around it. I have also put dried grass clippings in it too. The thing I just did that I like so far is I put some Shagnum peat moss for gardening in there for them to dust bath, but it also dries really well even if the ground is still wet. It works for me, it maybe worth looking into

 

[Trisseh]

There is some roadwork being done and I am very intrigued at the chance of getting cheap or even free fill. If I add gravel I plan for there to be a thick enough layer of dirt on top or as you said in your other reply a screen so that the gravel never actually makes it up to the surface of the run. So hopefully it won't be difficult to clean. Thanks for the reply!

Only reason I even thought of it is that they’re doing ditch work around my place and you can get a dump truck load for $10. Lol. Just dirt and grass but hey, it’s fill!
Good luck with whatever options you go with!

 

[BabasCoop]

I would put in drain tiles or some sort of drainage system prior to moving your coop.
Sand would be your best option as it drains easily, and will be easy to clean daily With about 10-15 min of attention. (Depending size of coop)

 

[Skyla]

I have a water issue too unfortunately. I built up dirt/sod around my run to have the water flow around it. I have also put dried grass clippings in it too. The thing I just did that I like so far is I put some Shagnum peat moss for gardening in there for them to dust bath, but it also dries really well even if the ground is still wet. It works for me, it maybe worth looking into

I'll for sure look into the peat moss. It being able to dry despite the wet ground would be great. Especially for a dust bath, I use sand but they often have difficulty bathing in it since it's not that dry. Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[HippieAtHeart]

I'll for sure look into the peat moss. It being able to dry despite the wet ground would be great. Especially for a dust bath, I use sand but they often have difficulty bathing in it since it's not that dry. Thanks for the suggestion!

Definitely do! There are some articles on here that say it’s not good for chickens but that’s because they are talking about peat, not the shagnum peat moss, there is a difference. Also when I say I built up dirt/sod I should clarify and say I did a reverse moat kind of thing where it’s just mounded up around the run not in it.

 

[Skyla]

Definitely do! There are some articles on here that say it’s not good for chickens but that’s because they are talking about peat, not the shagnum peat moss, there is a difference. Also when I say I built up dirt/sod I should clarify and say I did a reverse moat kind of thing where it’s just mounded up around the run not in it.

I have seen quite a few people saying it was bad for them and other saying it was great. Thanks for the clarification, the reverse moat sounds like a good idea at keeping some water out.

 

[3KillerBs]

Would using wood chips as just the base, the main bedding, without anything on top work well too?

Any form of compost, which is more or less what a deep litter system is, tends to work best with a mix of materials

 

[bluemtnwmn]

We also discovered that 3 days of rain created a morass in our chicken coop/run area. As we are super limited in location due to the city code for chicken coops, we are planning to put down a layer of gravel followed by a thick layer of sand. We're hoping that being able to rake the top off the sand will keep things fresh and not too gross for the chickens. Sort of like a scoopable litter box for cats. Also planning a chicken tractor so they can have access to other parts of the yard and some natural greenery on a regular basis since the run area will be sanded. Our yard is mostly dandelions, violets, and mallow plants with just enough grass thrown in that we have to mow regularly, so we'd like them to be able to access it!

 

[Skyla]

We also discovered that 3 days of rain created a morass in our chicken coop/run area. As we are super limited in location due to the city code for chicken coops, we are planning to put down a layer of gravel followed by a thick layer of sand. We're hoping that being able to rake the top off the sand will keep things fresh and not too gross for the chickens. Sort of like a scoopable litter box for cats. Also planning a chicken tractor so they can have access to other parts of the yard and some natural greenery on a regular basis since the run area will be sanded. Our yard is mostly dandelions, violets, and mallow plants with just enough grass thrown in that we have to mow regularly, so we'd like them to be able to access it!

I understand your struggle with neighbor hood codes, I'm sure I'm breaking about a hundred but seeing as no ones said anything yet I'll just carry on lol. Gravel and some sand and dirt is probably what I'm also going to use to build up the ground. A chicken tractor sounds like a good idea, especially with all your dandelions and such. I also plan on eventually making a chicken tractor, something they won't permanently live in but so they have some access to some greens. I appreciate the response!