Winterizing chicken run

[JaredandLauren]

My chicken run used to be grass but the chickens quickly demolished it. The dirt floor has been fine during the hot dry summer but as fall and winter approach I suspect that it will get pretty muddy when it snows. What substrate is best for the run floor during winter?

 

[KarynVA]

I'd say just use whatever you have in your yard; rake up some leaves this fall; pine needles; wood chips; whatever you have. If you think about it, in nature, the ground is muddy when it snows, so .... The main thing is to have something that can absorb poop and keep chicken feet off the cold ground.

 

[jreardon1918]

Got pictures of your setup? And also, general location? That will help guide advice.

Our run started as grass. Now it is deep bedding. Consisting of, grass clippings, leaves, pine needles, pine shavings removed from the coop general yard waste, wood chips. And of course chicken poop. It is covered so it stays pretty dry and just a little snow gets in. Even on our coldest days it allows for some scratching and digging. We put up clear plastic shower curtains on the the two side walls to reduce wind and to keep out most of the snow. And we use a stock tank heater to keep the water flowing.

 

[aart]

I like to use mostly coarse wood chippings to decompose the poops.
Any drainage issues need to be fixed first.

 

[Alaskan]

My chicken run used to be grass but the chickens quickly demolished it. The dirt floor has been fine during the hot dry summer but as fall and winter approach I suspect that it will get pretty muddy when it snows. What substrate is best for the run floor during winter?

Where in the world do you live? Just generally?

Here, as soon as it freezes up, there is no mud. So, my run is dirt and is fine in the winter, but yes mud in the spring.

 

[JaredandLauren]

Where in the world do you live? Just generally?

Here, as soon as it freezes up, there is no mud. So, my run is dirt and is fine in the winter, but yes mud in the spring.

I live in Colorado, so it’s not frozen all year. One day it can be freezing and a blizzard and the next day it could be 60 degrees. So I just want to make sure that it won’t get too muddy.

 

[JaredandLauren]

I like to use mostly coarse wood chippings to decompose the poops.
Any drainage issues need to be fixed first.

Thank you !

 

[JaredandLauren]

I'd say just use whatever you have in your yard; rake up some leaves this fall; pine needles; wood chips; whatever you have. If you think about it, in nature, the ground is muddy when it snows, so .... The main thing is to have something that can absorb poop and keep chicken feet off the cold ground.

Okay thank you! We have some Brahmas so I just also wanted to make sure their feathers on their feet stayed dry as well.

 

[aart]

Okay thank you! We have some Brahmas so I just also wanted to make sure their feathers on their feet stayed dry as well.

Is your run covered from snow accumulation?
...or maybe you free range?
Snow/ice balls can form on those feathered feet.
I love Brahmas but that was a PITA here...
...they also eat more than they put out, lousy feed to egg ratio.
Mine were sweet and all named Bertha, sold them as pets to a family with young kids.

 

[Chica'sChickens]

My chicken run used to be grass but the chickens quickly demolished it. The dirt floor has been fine during the hot dry summer but as fall and winter approach I suspect that it will get pretty muddy when it snows. What substrate is best for the run floor during winter?

Start collecting leaves. Add leaves and hay to the run. It will give the chickens something to do and goodies can be found in there.