What to fill my duck run with? And progress pics

[shawluvsbirds]

Ahhh... I did not know your lice were immune to DE...or I forgot.

Can you put oak leaves down as a base? Are you going to use wood chips for the deep litter?

I know some will not like this idea...BUT what about a layer of cedar chips then covered by your deep litter. Cedar is suppose to repel bugs.. I know it is not good for chicks, but covered by Deep litter is might be ok....And it's not like you will have important valuable birds in there to try the cedar on if it fails.

Lol!
I'm not having a lice problem b t w.
Was just saying I didn't want to use any sand cause it will get FLEAS in it.

Yes I figured I would use pine shavings on top after I build up the ground. Probably add leaves when they fall. . since I am city folk I will probably have to buy a load of dirt. Husband wondered if we could mix it with sawdust or something cheaper to build it up more without costing a fortune.

 

[Bridger Davis]

I agree with banty chooks! The deep litter methob will work great but don't use any rocks

 

[WVduckchick]

I wouldn't be afraid of river rock. But I don't think I'll use any cause I wanna be able to scoop out the deep litter as needed and use it for compost. We will most likely make some concrete pavers around the pool to help with mud issue.

Maybe with your nice roof, it won't get as wet anyway, just remember how they dig to China. Any little wet spot will become a deep hole. But if you turn it often, i suppose that will help.

Gosh, i guess being non-helpful has turned out to be helpful for what to avoid, huh?

 

[shawluvsbirds]

Maybe with your nice roof, it won't get as wet anyway, just remember how they dig to China. Any little wet spot will become a deep hole. But if you turn it often, i suppose that will help.


Gosh, i guess being non-helpful has turned out to be helpful for what to avoid, huh?

I will be avoiding sulfuric acid for sure.
I know whatever I put in will pack down and sink. That's why I was thinking about a layer of rock before dirt. But I'm afraid that they might work their way to the top so. I think that's out. Guess there really aren't really many more options if I don't want sand.

 

[WVduckchick]

I guess there is good and bad with everything. So try something and if it doesn't work, try something else.
Looking forward to seeing the whole palace!

 

[biophiliac]

I need to get a better picture tomorrow to show you what I mean. I have a good four inches I need to fill up before I even start the deep litter method. I'm figuring just fill it with dirt. . .but just wondered if there was a better idea.

Hi Shaw, I don't have ducks but for some reason I'm attracted to the duck threads - must be the company! For a deep litter base I suggest wood chips that have been properly aged to eliminate any risk of aspergillus spores. These create sponge like gaps that allow drainage and are an excellent base for adding leaves, grass clippings, kitchen waste, etc. I didn't finish reading yet, so appologies if this was already mentioned.
eta ... too lazy to correct my misspelling of aspergil...

 

[Miss Lydia]

Sulfuric acid works great for dux...

 

[DwayneNLiz]

on the bottom (after you get as much soil out as possible)

use pea stones (the rounded ones):

over that put a layer of landscape mesh

then drainage mats

then all the chips/shavings/ leaves you can think of

 

[Miss Lydia]

would make a good coffee creamer for Ralphie too but I bet you don't try it!

That maybe the reason he is so sour about DUX he does use it as a creamer.

 

[BantyChooks]

just remember how they dig to China.

I think mine have already made it through the Earth's crust.