New hens not going into Eglu Go Up

[pixiewish]

Am struggling to keep the run floor dry. We are currently using an easybed type flooring on concrete slabs with one side and the top if the run covered with tarp to keep the rain out. Overnight we fold this down to cover the full run leaving the end uncovered for ventilation.

 

Oh we have an eglu go by the way.

 

Does anyone have any tips as to how to keep the floor drier as it is still getting really damp all the way through. Is there a better flooring to use in winter.

 

Thanks

[Ain't Nobody Here]

I suspect the problem is the concrete slabs - there's nowhere for the water to drain. Don't really know what to suggest other than turning it over regularly as best you can and continue covering the run as you're doing. Are you putting down a powdered disinfectant at all? That can help with drying things out but you probably wouldn't want to put it down too often.

[pixiewish]

the concrete slabs aren't cemeted in they are just layed on a membrane over the soil so I would've though that there was at least some drainage.

 

Have been using biodri sanitiser when I give it a turn over.

[sjp]

what type of membrane? as it could be that that's holding the water

[pixiewish]

Just a standard weedproof one, not waterproof.

[mimi5]

Pixiewish, do you have any kind off edging/boarder to your run?? Because what I've found is that the rain runs down the run covers and drips off the bottom. Could that be happening? Might not be all the issue but might not help. I've got stiff green lawn edging cable tied to the bottom of my cube run and have the covers go over this to try and stop this happening. Also I have woodchip in my run which I have been very pleased with so far (got it nov)

 

I also have 2 hatchlings in a wooden ark on my patio with a similar bedding to the one your using, but yes it's sodden, even though I have it totally covered!!! (I think it's called snowflake) Poor little girls stay in the coop mostly That's one of the reasons I've bought a second hand classic!!! Long story, but once I get the bits I'm missing they will be going straight in to that on the lawn!!

[pixiewish]

Thanks mimi I think you might be right about run off from the cover, reckon once the edge gets wet it just absorbs through. I'll have to go on a hunt for something.