Muddy run

[Vixen218]

Hi all

I have 5 chickens which live in a coup big enough for 6... They have a run that goes out by about 1.5m x 0.5m but which also goes under the run by about 0.5m... We also attached another metal run which is about 2.5m x 2.5m and has a hight of about 2'

My problem is that the run is constantly getting muddy, I have tried to cover it but is then doesn't dry out, I have put sand in it but the chickens just seem to compact it...

What should I do... Just need some advice...

I don't really have any spare money ether...

[bearded bloke]

Wood/bark chippings but you will need a good depth as my birds do like to dig in it

[Vixen218]

I've tried bark chipping before but they just seem to compact that in...

[RichmondHens]

The house may be big enough for 6 but the run certainly isn't. I suspect your problem is largely due to the run being too small and therefore ground is being trampled too heavily. Woodchip will help but it's no good just chucking it on top of the existing ground, you have to dig everything out, put in a drainage layer at the bottom if you live in a very wet area and backfill with woodchip to a depth of at least 6 inches. Alternatively if you have the space buy a length of electric poultry netting which is moveable so you can shift the hens onto fresh ground when they have exhausted the first patch.

[Snadger]

The house may be big enough for 6 but the run certainly isn't. I suspect your problem is largely due to the run being too small and therefore ground is being trampled too heavily. Woodchip will help but it's no good just chucking it on top of the existing ground, you have to dig everything out, put in a drainage layer at the bottom if you live in a very wet area and backfill with woodchip to a depth of at least 6 inches. Alternatively if you have the space buy a length of electric poultry netting which is moveable so you can shift the hens onto fresh ground when they have exhausted the first patch.

My thoughts exactly!

[rita1]

move the run if you can so that the ground can recover.
if they stay on the same piece of ground continually they could end up getting ill, they need access to fresh ground if it is possible.

[Hans Mum]

I have the same problem and have put some large logs and even a smallish pallet in the run to help keep them off the mud....the pallet has a solid top so good for them to stand on ive also paved the top area to try and keep things cleaner.....i also let them out of the run when i;m at home.