What can I "re-pave" my run with? SMELLY!

[Sonoran Silkies]

I thought it was covered, and I see that it partially is. I know that I have a couple of similar setups (although their tops are completely covered) and I put shavings or rice hull bedding down, and it DOES help You really do not need a lot--maybe a half a bag. It dows look to be a bit lower than the surrounding ground, also. You could consider raising the ground some to that water drains elsewhere rather than standing.

 

[patandchickens]

Take a look at my 'fix a muddy run' page (link in .sig below).

Lime or stall powder will take care of the odor to some degree, but I would really recommend trucking in some sand or roadbase or suchlike for a more long-term fix.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[Chicklette 1]

I have a 20X20 uncovered run and this is my first year with it and chickens. It started out as grass when I put my 10 chickens in there but I do not think any grass will return this spring so basically I will have dirt. Everyday that the run is not covered with snow, I go out and scoop out all the droppings that I can see. I use a long handled large pan and rake set that is actually for dog droppings (I have 5 dogs) and it works great and takes no time at all. The chickens love me walking around out there with them and they follow me around. I have not had any odor problem at all but I will be dressing the surface with something this spring. I think if you clean up the droppings as frequently as you can, you will have less of an odor problem.

 

[gsim]

Quote:
I would use coarse sand. However the real problem is that the 'run' is way too small. I did 80 sq ft/chook. That is 10 times the minimum recommended size.

Gerry

 

[Dogfish]

A combination of pea gravel and sand works here.

 

[speedy2020]

The free mulch or wood chips would reduce the smell.