3.6m Omlet Chicken Run for sale, Brand New in Boxes, Milton Keynes (MK19)

[baublegirl]

My hens have a free-range area outside of their WIR. Usually its just been grass, but with all the terrible weather it has turned into a muddy swamp. What could I put down - would bark be good? Or would I have to keep changing it?

I would like it to be as low maintenance as possible.

Also, previously their WIR was just on the earth, with a layer of shingle and then easibed on the top. This was excellent as I just turned it over and occasionally took out really dirty bits. Now we have had the area paved (too many rats tunnelling in) and so now I will need to decided what goes ontop of the slabs. Would easibed still be OK? Or would bark also be better in there?

Thanks!

[mimi5]

I think the advice is not to use bark as once it's wet/damp is gives off mould spores.

 

I was trundling my cube and run around my lawn until few weeks ago. Lawn was becoming a mud bath, so have sited the cube and filled the run with wood chip! It's doing well so far, but I do have the run totally covered. (I posted some pics if you'd like to see them it's the post "Phew, pekins warm and dry!")

 

I don't see why you couldn't put down wood chip? I guess the rain would give it a good rinse!! I had trouble getting some locally, but people say if you can find a local tree surgeon you can get them for free?? I paid for mine and collected them too!! But I am pleased with the end result!

[sjp]

easibed works on slabs it's the way my runs are just don't do what I've done through and point up the joints between the slabs with compo as it stops the run from draining when it rains

[Mrs_B]

I use woodchip in the chickens FR area as I wanted an easy, low maintenance solution to all the horrible mud!

 

I also did this on most of the muddy area which has been amazing:

 

http://www.newlandgrange.com/CHICKEN-RUN-MUD-MANAGEMENT(1720020).htm

 

I left the driest area of mud without any woodchip or cover so the chickens could have a nice big dust bath

 

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