Winter Muck!

[Mrs.H]

If you have oak leaves, I would use them.  I find they keep odor away very well here.  I also have about a 2 percent slope for the swim pan area, so water does not sit.

I have a base of pea gravel.  I add sand sometimes, and occasionally need to muck it out - take off the top 2 inches of stuff, add it to the compost pile.

Def gonna try the leaves first! It is on a slight slope but the fencing is also covered with chicken wire and it looks like the muck is creating a barrier that Is causing the water to flow slowly!

 

[Mrs.H]

Yes always heard Cedar is a big no no with ducks and chickens!

 

[Amiga]

Yes, straw and twigs and yuck get stuck on the downhill side, so it is a minor maintenance item I deal with a couple times a week to keep it clear so it drains properly.

 

[Mrs.H]

Yes, straw and twigs and yuck get stuck on the downhill side, so it is a minor maintenance item I deal with a couple times a week to keep it clear so it drains properly.

Yeah I think I got too much stuff collected between the fencing along with leaves that have fallen. Raked most back. I prob need to get the hose and power wash it out of the fencing, it's just I don't want it even muddier in there. Will do it the am then layer leaves after it dries some in the afternoon. First winter with ducks, oh the joys lol

 

[chicmom]

The sand is very nice. If it gets wet, there's no mud. (Just like when you go to the beach.) I really like it the best. I do rake it out and try and rake out most of the poo and debris.

I did like the leaves too, as another member mentioned. Used them once.

 

[fethr37]

Quote:
As long as you use large thick chips outdoors with adult birds you have no concern IMO. Cedar lasts a long time,helps keep parasites away,and make for a muckless area with good drainage.