What to fill my duck run with? And progress pics

[Kiki]

You can use my new goose.

 

[duluthralphie]

I'd like to chime in about what I have used. Chopped STRAW. Period. I know--it gets packed down. But that is the good part--the ducks will poop all over it, and walk on it. They thereby create a compressed mass of straw/poop, which is a great base to walk on. I just kept adding fresh straw every few days, and then it would get packed down, etc.
The only thing is that it will take some days to properly fill. But really, how serious is that? Right now I have a firm base of about 5" thickness. If I ever want to get rid of it, a shovel takes it out pronto. But if I want to just leave it, then what's the harm? It just gets a bit thicker with time. BTW, it drains, too.
I hope this helps someone, since it made my life so easy.

The problem with straw is it gives fleas, mites, crabs, worms, tick, sharks, alligator and other minute critters a place to hide in the hollow straw itself,

 

[Miss Lydia]

sure don't want any crabs ,sharks or alligators in your duck run. Unless your duluthralphie.

 

[gilbert2]

Sorry, duluthralphie--I've never had those in my runs. Maybe it's because I dust the place periodically when the ducks are out swimming. But thanks for telling me.

 

[shawluvsbirds]

No problem that I can see if not too fine.
eta, sorry I think I misunderstood your question

I meant the past about it being properly dried. If it is fresh from the mill it might not be good for them?

and for the bottom layer of the litter~! Great Idea

Once again

I'd like to chime in about what I have used. Chopped STRAW. Period. I know--it gets packed down. But that is the good part--the ducks will poop all over it, and walk on it. They thereby create a compressed mass of straw/poop, which is a great base to walk on. I just kept adding fresh straw every few days, and then it would get packed down, etc.
The only thing is that it will take some days to properly fill. But really, how serious is that? Right now I have a firm base of about 5" thickness. If I ever want to get rid of it, a shovel takes it out pronto. But if I want to just leave it, then what's the harm? It just gets a bit thicker with time. BTW, it drains, too.
I hope this helps someone, since it made my life so easy.

Do you ever fluff it up? Or just keep piling it on?
Also does it mold? I guess anything can mold.

The problem with straw is it gives fleas, mites, crabs, worms, tick, sharks, alligator and other minute critters a place to hide in the hollow straw itself,

You Just burst my bubble.

 

[gilbert2]

So far, I have never seen ANY mold. I do not fluff it up--I just keep piling it on. It is FAR away from the point where it will be too thick.

 

[shawluvsbirds]

I am on a sand dune. So any layer helps me keep the sand down.

I do everything I can to avoid earthworms. They are in the cycle for blackhead and carry other nasty things I don't want in my flock.


I guess if you want dux, I am the only Genius here.

Ugh you make me so paranoid! !
You've already got me thinking I need to start bleaching everything.
Germs . . bugs..illness . .alligators. . crabs. . what's next?

 

[perchie.girl]

For what its worth since I am not a duck owner.... a wanabe of course. I use Rice hulls for bedding.... semi water proof the chickens love it I am sure the Ducks will too. it does compost but it also stays drier longer. It allows water through.

I dont under stand the concern of fleas being in sand... I have ordered sand many times for Corrals and enclosures.... You can also buy Decomposed granite which looks like sand but it has different sized particles screened down to less than a quarter inch... It packs nicely for a sub floor... then top it off with @DwayneNLiz method.... I love it by the way. and will be using that for My duck enclosure
Love those rubber matts.

 

[duluthralphie]

Ugh you make me so paranoid! !
You've already got me thinking I need to start bleaching everything.
Germs . . bugs..illness . .alligators. . crabs. . what's next?

If you buy bleach in 55 gallon drums, my work here will be done..

I did not even start on the snakes, bacteria and viruses that live in straw.....

 

[gilbert2]

Well, maybe in humid MN, those things happen. In arid CO though, moisture does not last. I will say that whatever is in my ducks' excrement, is flourishing in the straw. But a good compacted layer of composted straw does not scare me at all. And my ducks have never had any illnesses nor bumblefoot, nor anything!
This straw comes in a compacted state, inside sealed plastic, same as the pine shavings do. In fact the pine is $2/bag cheaper than the straw. Sorry, ralphie, I just am not scared, since I have been doing things this way for 5-years, and have never had a duck health problem.......not counting that owl who raided the place last year. That is why I am reinforcing the coops.
Your reply about buying bleach in 55-gallon drums was a bit harsh, and scared some people. Obviously, you have a ton more knowledge than I do. But I am observant and conscientious, and I take good care of my flock, even if it is not the way you do things.