What do you use in your run on red clay

[Lexie27]

I think you may underestimate the digging and scratching capabilities of a flock of chickens! I mentioned we have hardpan here too.

Probably true, since I’ve never had chickens, lol

 

[ChaosMom]

I think you underestimate the strength of our clay, lol. My son fell on it after the rain and broke his ankle and needs surgery now.
It is either slippery or dry with cracks, no in between.

My 7-week-old pullets have been working furiously at the predominately clay soil in the run. I think they need a little size on them! -although they're doing their derndest. I'm helping things out with the garden fork.

I hope your son's ankle heals well! Ankles are complicated things.

 

[Lexie27]

My 7-week-old pullets have been working furiously at the predominately clay soil in the run. I think they need a little size on them! -although they're doing their derndest. I'm helping things out with the garden fork.

I hope your son's ankle heals well! Ankles are complicated things.

Yeah he has two breaks and displacement in tibia, a break in fibula, so most of the year is shot out for him.
Hate it for him. Could’ve been worse, though.
You take your blessings where you find them.

 

[BecksNesting]

We haven’t started building yet, it will be a 16’x10’ run under cover, at a slight slope (less than 4” in 16’ if I remember what my husband said correctly).
We are planning 8 inch concrete blocks sub surface.
The existing soil is red clay. What should we use for run material?
Should we use crushed run graduated to pea gravel to sand?
Really not fans of DLM, I’m home, and as first time chicken owner will be hanging with the bird herd a lot.
ETA: I couldn’t find a similar thread on a Quick Look through, so if you know of one, feel free to point me in that direction.

Please advise, and thank you.

Appreciate y’all.

My runs have changed from the slip and slide challenges of red clay to a great fine grey dirt from using fine pine/cedar/poplar shavings. The runs are well protected and are now a great self sustaining dirt.