balti Posted October 15, 2010 Share Posted October 15, 2010 Its impossible to keep it completely dry over winter, just keep moving it around and change it regularly. Take out some bark and replace every 2/3 weeks, Its hard going, especially over winter when you are fighting against the wind and rain but surely thats the most one can do. If you still get into trouble doing that then at least you are doing the most you can do. I know with mine, I could have done more, and thats why i got into trouble - its all a learning curve.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted October 15, 2010 Share Posted October 15, 2010 Just make sure that whatever you use to cover it is clear - they need all the daylight they can get in the winter. Balti - very odd format to your posts - what are you writing it in? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve the Gas Posted October 16, 2010 Share Posted October 16, 2010 I would never use bark- due to the spores causing respiraitory problems. To get wood chips cheap, find your local tree surgeon and ask if you can have some as they normally have to pay to dispose of them. Downside they may want you to take a truck load. But if you have the space............... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fablabmum43 Posted October 19, 2010 Author Share Posted October 19, 2010 Just to say how much I appreciated everyone's comments and advice! I'm happy to say all my chooks are now recovered....I have been lucky and had a very steep learning curve. I have stripped out the old bark (which was saturated ) and laid slabs which are now topped with Aubiose - this I will poo pick daily and replace as required. The chooks free range when we are around so they won't miss out on grass. I have ordered fabric to make a waterproof cover and will be fitting acrylic glass panels to the sides of the run to let in light and keep out the weather. Hopefully these measures will help. I guess it can be worse than how things were before!! Thanks again to everyone. This is a great forum - I hope one day I will be experienced enough to pass on helpful advice to others Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve the Gas Posted October 19, 2010 Share Posted October 19, 2010 Say goodbye to your grass...............they are lawn burglars Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fablabmum43 Posted October 19, 2010 Author Share Posted October 19, 2010 Oh dear - I hope they'll be good to my garden! We chose Pekin Bantums in the hope that they wouldn't scratch as much as other birds Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
