Yard Retains Water

[MandaRae]

Okay so my yard retains water pretty badly. We have drainage pipes but when it rains it still gets pretty mushy in some spots. I have 2 spots picked out for the coop that are okay. I am wondering what concerns i would have for the chickens if they venture into the muddy mushy parts or does anyone have any suggestions for me. I had one spot i really wanted to put to coop but it gets really soggy so i had to figure out a new spot.

Has anyone had these kinds of issues? what did you do?

Thanks!!

 

[paneubert]

It is not a problem if they venture into the mud during free ranging time or whatever, but it is a problem if the coop/run are constantly muddy. If the coop location is going to be soggy, do yourself the favor of ordering and dumping at least a few inches of material onto the building site. Make it high ground before you build.

 

[MandaRae]

It is not a problem if they venture into the mud during free ranging time or whatever, but it is a problem if the coop/run are constantly muddy. If the coop location is going to be soggy, do yourself the favor of ordering and dumping at least a few inches of material onto the building site. Make it high ground before you build.

what kind of material?
The spots i have chosen seem to be okay but i might add to it just to be extra sure.

 

[paneubert]

Even if the material you buy to raise the level of the ground is just cheap fill dirt, it would be better than building on a soggy and flat area. Ideally you could put down a layer of gravel or rock, then soil. Or sand. But sand is controversial. Some love it, some hate it.

 

[paneubert]

I was writing the answer as you were asking it. How big of a footprint are you thinking? You could always just make sure you raise the coop and run with some pavers or cinder blocks, then fill it with mulch or other materials. Then even if the hard ground is soggy, they are above it on top of the mulch/bedding. It all depends on how much ground you are trying to cover.

 

[paneubert]

Take a look at the following post and replies. It is like your situation, but they are already stuck with the coop and soggy ground. You at least could try to fix the problem before it happens.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/wet-stinky-run.1286345/

 

[The Phantom]

I live on the edge of a swamp. Some times I will watch my hens jump island to island in the swamp. It’s pretty funny. Not the best spot for a coop though.

 

[MandaRae]

Thank You for your help! I am trying to pre-plan so i don't have to worry later

 

[rosemarythyme]

Panuebert's made some great suggestions.

I have a lot of water on my property so half of it is either boggy or underwater. Doesn't hurt the chickens to wander around in the boggy areas as long as that's not full time.

I agree that if all possible you should elevate the coop and possibly the run floor as well. My coop is slightly elevated about 5-6" and on on concrete blocks, to ensure the wood stays dry.

 

[MandaRae]

From everything I've been looking at i am going to atleast elevatw to coop. I liked the idea that it gave them more room to play. I want a big run but will also be letting them roam the yard.