Chicken Run

[nribs]

Hi Just a quick question and any advice welcome,

I have just purchasd my first Hen House and I am just about to build the chicken run round it.

Where it will be positioned there will be no grass becuase it does not get the most amount of sun in the winter time although it is probably one of the best sheltered areas of the garden away from rain, wind and frost, my concern is though do the chickens just run around in the mud as it will get muddy or should i be putting something in the run i-e chipped bark (although i have heard this is a no-no?) I have seen on a website rubber bark? If i am using something like bark or whatever is suggested how often should this be cleaned out or will it be obvious once the chickens are living there?

Thanks in advance

[RichmondHens]

By the time you have spent out on stakes and chicken wire it might serve you best to buy an electric fence instead. This way it can be moved if the run gets too muddy. It's not good for chickens to be on mud. They don't like it and the wet conditions can promote diseases such as coccidiosis.

There are different ideas on here about what is best to use in a fixed run, if you have no change of ground. Straw is the cheapest, but quite a few people use woodchips (not bark as it harbours mould spores). Whatever you use will need to be changed regularly.

I presume when you mention rubber chips you mean the type that are used in horse schooling arenas? I've not seen them used for chickens but maybe someone else has and can advise.

If your chickens are to remain on the same ground year round, it is vital that you worm them regularly to keep the parasite load down.

[MaureenHall]

I agree with all that Richmond has said, but if the run can't be moved around (mine can't) then loads of straw!! the chooks love pecking around in it, it soaks up a lot of the water, and it can be composted along with the poo too. I'm still unsure about the rubber stuff, you'd have to have fantastic drainage of the area because you'll need to wash away all the poo and there's always bound to be some left behind

[Hilary B]

If the run area is prone to be WET, I would put down pallets or similar to get the hens up out of the mud. If it simply doesn't drain well, 2 inches of gravel, then straw (or whatever alternative you fancy) will help.
Straw and its substitutes will mop up a certain amount of muddiness, and then just become 'texture' in the mud. You need to solve the mud problem FIRST!

[frias]

I use Hemcore in the run as it soaks up moisture and stops any smells.

[CoraxAurata]

Those of you who use straw is that in roofed runs?

[dexterdoglancashire]

Thanks for the useful advice. My problems with mud arent quite so bad now Ive put lots of straw down. I was thinking of putting some gravel/stones in there too. Now youve confirmed it, will sort it out asap.

[Eco-Chic]

I have seen on a website rubber bark? If i am using something like bark or whatever is suggested how often should this be cleaned out or will it be obvious once the chickens are living there?

Some posters on the Practical Poultry forum have been using the rubber chippings and seem to be pleased with them. They're quite expensive so advised laying down a quality weed membrane or two layers of a cheaper one before putting about 2" of rubber chippings on top. The chippings can then be hosed without being washed into the ground.

[MaureenHall]

Some posters on the Practical Poultry forum have been using the rubber chippings and seem to be pleased with them. They're quite expensive so advised laying down a quality weed membrane or two layers of a cheaper one before putting about 2" of rubber chippings on top. The chippings can then be hosed without being washed into the ground.

But where does the poo go when it's hosed? Or am I being really thick and stupid? I think I'll continue to use the rake and a shovel for shifting it

[ChrisAndrews]

Just a note on fox proofing. I had my chickens taken at the weekend. I thought they was safe with a 7ft fence, they had been all year. However a fox cleared it and got out again with both birds. In some ways i can't help but think it probably deserved the girls, clearing a 7ft fence and all. Lesson: Always provide a mesh roof.

[Eco-Chic]

But where does the poo go when it's hosed? Or am I being really thick and stupid? I think I'll continue to use the rake and a shovel for shifting it

The hose will break down the poo and wash it through the chippings and the permeable membrane into the ground.

Just a note on fox proofing. I had my chickens taken at the weekend. I thought they was safe with a 7ft fence, they had been all year. However a fox cleared it and got out again with both birds. In some ways i can't help but think it probably deserved the girls, clearing a 7ft fence and all. Lesson: Always provide a mesh roof.

Damn foxes. I'm sorry you've lost your girls

[Hilary B]

Some posters on the Practical Poultry forum have been using the rubber chippings and seem to be pleased with them. They're quite expensive so advised laying down a quality weed membrane or two layers of a cheaper one before putting about 2" of rubber chippings on top. The chippings can then be hosed without being washed into the ground.

But if there is any doubt about the water draining away when you do this, bring the level up with something drainable BEFORE putting down the weed membrane (gravel would need covering with sand, but is otherwise good).
Wherever you keep your chooks, make sure that when water gets IN (one way or another, it will), it has a way of getting OUT again!

[dexterdoglancashire]

Just a note on fox proofing. I had my chickens taken at the weekend. I thought they was safe with a 7ft fence, they had been all year. However a fox cleared it and got out again with both birds. In some ways i can't help but think it probably deserved the girls, clearing a 7ft fence and all. Lesson: Always provide a mesh roof.

So sorry to hear your news Chris.