How We Fix a Muddy Chicken Run

It’s rain season, and the chicken coop is muddy as all get out. This is how we fix it quickly and cheaply!

[beautybabiesandblessings]

I have a ton of pine trees so I go and collect a few wheel barrel full and dump them in my run and the chickens and ducks spread it all out then I keep mixing it and adding more, it eventually breaks down into soil and really helps with the wet duck mess and rainy weather, I am also adding river rock and pea gravel around the ducks pool and house

[alexjmtl]

I'm just about to receive 6 chickens for the first time, and had to check for this info. Thank you for explaining it. I now know what to do if or most likely, when my coop gets muddy I will now know what to do. Thank you.

[teledoink]

I love the chicken coming around as you were spreading the pine shavings, looking in, and clucking in a way that it did sound like it was asking a question lol

[Luckymomofsuperheroes]

This is awesome advice. Instead of the shavings I would use the pellet horse bedding $5.99 a bag and the pellet draws in the moisture and goes so far. Ooops you just mentioned it.

[ECole-lewe]

Hay and straw can harbor mites, because they are hollow.

[teledoink]

Your chickens look so I love your farm

[winkfinkerstien]

Thanks for your very informative video! I"m trying to do my due-diligence reseach before I buy the chickens. I hope I'm not putting you on the spot, but based on what you said, wouldn"t it be better to put the straw on the ground first (since it takes longer to break down), and then the pine shavings? Many thanks! 😎👍🐔

[kerrytaggart]

Use a layer of sand. Allows for drainage and works great. Add more if needed if you rake the poop out and erode the sand away. Works great. No more smell or water on their legs.

[ShakTheLoveShak]

I noticed your baby chickens are with the other chickens? Do you just leave them with the brood mother and she looks after them and protect them from other chickens or do you keep them apart? Cheers

[zachdavis]

My property is covered in leaves. Saw a video on here where the guy used his lawn vac to pickup and shred the leaves to use as a bedding. The run has a good grade but we’ve had nonstop rain for almost a week. 😢

[kellyburlarley]

Can u use the horse pellets for the bottom of the coop to clean up the poop

[jonathanbreckenridge]

We have a fairly large chicken run like yours in South Carolina. Its on the edge of the woods within pine trees so the soil is clay/sand/dirt. I usually just take a rake and gently rake the "top" poop out, but I feel I need to add a 3 inch layer of sand or SOMETHING to the run. We use straw in the coop, but I feel like it would be a waste to use in the run?

[muddgrub]

Your backyard is my conception of heaven replete with winged angels. My name is Mudd and I approve of this message.

[juliebovenkamp]

Thank your for this video, it was very helpful! Quick question-after it has broken down and you need to add more straw, do you start all over and rake it all out? I am guessing so, but just wanted to make sure. :) thank you

[karenmorgan]

Love your shoes, I have those so comfy

[BridgetCampbell-bddh]

Do you leave the hay and shavings in there forever, or just temporarily (so do you eventually take them out)?

[MarioLopez-obrv]

Beautiful chicken. What breed are they?

[maryhayes]

Do you have rake and muck out the straw periodically or does it just breakdown into dirt?

[ErinMarie]

Where did you get the planter that’s by the door hanging up

[heath]

I was wondering if anybody knows about using walnut shavings for bedding for the run? I have tons of it from my sawmill and didn’t know if it was ok to use. I know to stay away from cedar but didn’t know about walnut.