What to put in new run ?

[Hivoltage]

Straw and hay are perfectly fine to use in DLM in the run. No issues with mold. What they will do is break down into a nice compost. You can also add wood chips, spent coop litter, dry leaves, grass clippings. garden debris. Your limiting factor is going to be: What is available to you in the winter?

Sweet...lots of straw and pine chips it is to start out.

 

[Mr Pink]

I treat my run like the chicken powered compost bin it is ... Just about any " natural " material that will break down is thrown in ...wood chips , grass clippings , weeds , fall leafs ,garden waste ect . In return I get virtually maintenance free run and great compost , No mud , No smell !

 

[lazy gardener]

Mr. Pink. I think I can enlighten you about the deadly issue of hay which becomes moldy and kills chickens. This is just one fact in a wide array of knowledge from the enlightened group of quasi scientists. This group go by the very well known name, "THEY SAY". The "THEY SAY" folks are well versed in all aspects of chicken care, including:

Use of hay: DON'T. Because it will mold. That will kill your chickens. It will cause impacted crops. Your chickens will die.

Use of straw: DON'T. Because it is hollow. Those hollow spaces will be full of mites. That will kill your chickens.

Use of fermented feed: DON'T. Because it might get moldy. That will kill your chickens.

Use of supplemental lighting: DON'T. Because it will cause your chickens to lay eggs in the winter. That will cause them to have all sorts of reproductive issues. Why, one of the "THEY SAY" folks was recently quoted as saying that chickens who get supplemental light will get cancer and will die a slow and tragic death in your arms.

Free ranging: DON'T. Because a predator will eat them.

Confined to coop and run: DON'T. Because your chickens will suffer anxiety and depression. Then they will commit suicide.

Feeding table scraps: DON'T. Because your chickens should only have perfectly blended bagged food.

 

[Mr Pink]

THEY SAY know alot don't they ! But seriously I thought I was missing something as much concern is expressed about the POSSIBILITY of mold .

 

[Lazy Farmer]

a kiddie pool with a dust bath.

 

[lazy gardener]

Give your flock a couple of pallets to play on. You can either wire them together in an A frame style, or you can prop one up off the ground on 4 cinder blocks. Toss in a squash, some apples, a bit of scratch grain into the deep litter.

 

[Ketty Ash]

We just fenced in a 12 x 24 run, attached to a secure coop. Right now it is a mixture of snow and dirt from the fence installers, who are just finishing up. Chickens get out tomorrow. What should I get in the run to start a good base. I was thinking dumping in 3 or 4 bags of pine chips from TSC for starters. Then add some woodsy type stuff this spring, leaves, pine cones, sticks and stuff. Suggestions appreciated!!

My chickens love to scratch around in the leaves. During the warmer months they find lots of insects and worms hiding under the leaves and deadwood. During the colder months, it just gives them something to do.

 

[Ketty Ash]

Give your flock a couple of pallets to play on. You can either wire them together in an A frame style, or you can prop one up off the ground on 4 cinder blocks. Toss in a squash, some apples, a bit of scratch grain into the deep litter.

I love the pallet idea!

 

[Cryss]

I'm a big fan of wood chips in the run. Keeps it dry, add nutriets to the compost, greens and bugs for the gals to find and eat.