Put a layer of sand/rubber chippings or gravel down in the run area to help with drainage. Bark chippings can go mouldy so be careful if using these and change regularly. Provide a dry sandbox under cover to allow the hens to dust bath.
The use of sand in the chicken yard or run is ideal in especially wet climates since water drains through the sand instead of creating mud puddles filled with decomposing straw or wood shavings. If possible, roof or cover the chicken run to keep the sand dry and provide the flock an outdoor oasis in inclement weather.
Any muddy area in a run is a potential hazard for humans as well as chickens. For chickens it can result in slipped tendons; for humans, anything from a broken hip to (as I know to my cost) torn ligaments.
Coarse sand (also known as builder's sand, but not the finer play sand) has become increasingly popular as a flooring in the chicken coop, and it's certainly helpful in keeping the flock cool in the summer months. Easy to maintain and a boon in keeping flies away, for the small to medium sized run it's a good option.
There are many different options that are commonly used for bedding - hemp, sand, straw, dirt, wood shavings, the list goes on. Each are very effective and easily accessible, but vary in cost so make sure you take into account the size of the coop and the price per metre.
Soil can be hardened to reduce muddy areas by spreading lime over the earth. This quickly dries up the wet spots. Lime is best used to treat over-wet areas you do not intend to use to grow plants.
Having a chicken coop without a floor can come with many challenges, including infestations of mice and rats. Still, some chicken keepers swear by the dirt floor method, and have discovered numerous ways to deal with the inherent problems. There are many reasons you may want a coop without a floor.
A rounded gravel such as our Horticultural Grit 2 - 6mm and 10mm Staffordshire Pink Gravel can be used as your poultry run flooring. Don't use anti-weed membrane underneath though as droppings will be washed through to the bottom by the rain or trampled in which can become quite smelly!
Sand has a fairly good absorbency factor and is a well-draining litter. One reason why many chicken keepers choose to use sand is that it can be more economical than wood shavings or straw in the long run. As long as the sand is well maintained, it will not have to be replaced as often as wood shavings or straw.
' The best sand is construction, bank run, or river sand. This stuff looks like what you would see on a riverbed. It contains multiple sizes of particles, including small pebbles, etc. This stuff is great for the birds' grit intake.
Chicken Run Bedding
Grass clippings, pine or cedar shavings, dried leaves, and even hay have been known to work, but we recommend not using the same amount as you use inside your coop. A small layer (up to an inch) will do the trick.
2. A damp, wet chicken run means ideal conditions for parasites and their eggs. 3. Chickens love to drink from muddy puddles, no matter how much fresh water you provide, and muddy puddles are likely to contain coccidia, bacteria, worm eggs and even botulism.
Like straw, wood shavings can be used in the coop as well as in the run. However, wet shavings caused by weather or a waterer being tipped over should be removed. If not removed and replaced they will soon begin to smell. Lightly soiled shavings from inside the coop can easily be recycled into the run.
THE SOLUTION: LIME!
of either quicklime or hydrated lime, dries up wet soil quickly, so that it can be compacted readily, forming a working table that will resist further wetting as well--you can get back to work! hydrated lime are both highly effective in drying wet clay and silt soils.
If your lawn is currently a muddy mess and you just want to control it until you can replant, add a deep layer of mulch. This will hold the mud down while also adding beneficial organic matter. Straw works particularly well for this purpose.
Lawn roller, rake, and shovel: Use the shovel to dig into low spots and expose the dirt beneath the grass. Fill the divots with topdressing mix, then use the rake or lawn roller to level the lawn. If the uneven areas are large enough, use a tiller to dig them up.
Virkon S disinfectant is the choice of many veterinarians and poultry producers. It is safe for chickens and has no withholding period. Adding a quick disinfectant spray to your usual cleaning routine is all it takes to kill potential illnesses.
Mix equal parts of vinegar and water to create a cleaning solution and mop up your coop for an all-natural cleaning. Use this cleaning solution on your chicken feeders and drinkers, then put them under the sun to dry completely.
Spray your entire coop down with your hose and or a cleaner of your choice. Increasing the pressure on areas with caked-on poop can soften it up and make it easier to scrape off later. Remember, do not use bleach! Scrub everything down; use your brush and scraper to scrub off any caked-on poop.
Bury your outside chicken runs with chicken wire. You can lay the wire on the ground and then cover it. This will keep predators such as raccoons, cats and even dogs from digging underneath the run.