MUD in the Run!

[Maddie106]

Thanks for the suggestions folks
The recent cold weather solved the mud problem in the run, and they had a WONDERFUL time digging in the straw I put down before the freeze!!

I too was a little concerned that they might eat astro turf, so have decided not to try that. I've got some wood from an old bed base, so will try and construct some "duck-boards" to go in the back of the run....I've got some slabs at the front part already.

The girls don't seem at all bothered by the mud and seem to paddle round in it happily.The area under the hut stays fairly dry and I put straw down in the bit around the ramp.They go on the roof of the hut for a rest when they've had enough of pottering about in the mud!

Your brood sound mad Flummery??!!
Mine regularly stand on the hut roof and peck at my hair clip when I'm cleaning them out, but so far haven't gone onto my shoulders!

[beulah59]

Mine are on 4inch deep woodchip (when it's raked and level .... they soon build mounds and ditches!) ... and I've tried simply hosing it down. Seems OK for now ...

[MrsC]

Funny isn't it, my chickens don't bother about the mud either. It's more us humans that worry about it. I'm the same, always look at the mud in the run, but they don't care

[CountryFayre]

There are rubber chippings (recycled tyres) like that you see in play parks which I believe you can get from the likes of homebase etc. That can be placed on a permiable membrane and then hosed off when required. It is available in all sorts of colours and may be worth a look. It is being marketed as the eco alternative to gravel etc and I have just noticed a link above 'EcoScape Bark Mulch'.

[Madasafish]

I use wood chippings - - chipped wood, bark and woody flower stems...

[Snadger]

No mud in my run now............it's frozen like concrete. Chooks prefer it that way methinks!

[MaureenHall]

No mud in my run now............it's frozen like concrete. Chooks prefer it that way methinks!

Same here except it's like a skating rink where they've tipped over one of the water containers and it's frozen solid and smooth hope nobody skids on it tomorrow

[Snadger]

Same here except it's like a skating rink where they've tipped over one of the water containers and it's frozen solid and smooth hope nobody skids on it tomorrow

Give em some ice skates and let them get on with it! (Mental image of the Torvil & Dean of the chook world!)

[shirlthegirl43]

Where does everyone get wood chippings from? Can I use the bark mulch you get from the garden centre?

[Flummery]

Wood chippings come (usually free) from contractors Shirley. I managed to find one 'in the act' up the lane. Bark is usually not recommended becasue it can contain mould spores which give the chickens respiratory problems - however, some people swear by it!

[shirlthegirl43]

Cheers Flum, I guess that is the trouble with living on the edge of the world - not many contractors about here chipping trees. Better get the phone book out and see if I can find a friendly tree surgeon locally

[dexterdoglancashire]

I get mine from the place I get my straw and feed from. Hardwood chippings they are. Not cheap at £12 a sack, but until I can source some for free they'll have to do. Its a horsey/animal/agricultural type place. Hope you find somewhere close to you.

[shirlthegirl43]

I got easibed. Some for in the shed (it has been good in the coop) and some for the run. It will have to do for now I guess. The run has been okay up till recently but I think there has just been so much wetness falling out of the sky the ground is waterlogged.

[dexterdoglancashire]

I got easibed. Some for in the shed (it has been good in the coop) and some for the run. It will have to do for now I guess. The run has been okay up till recently but I think there has just been so much wetness falling out of the sky the ground is waterlogged.

How much do you pay for that Shirl?

[shirlthegirl43]

How much do you pay for that Shirl?

eight squids a bale Bernie it does go a good long way in the coop though - it is easy to pick the poop off it