[walker]

Hi everyone
I'm in the process of moving the chickens to a new tempory part of the garden so that I can sort out the issue of sloppy mud , chicken poo and bedding that has become mashed together over this very wet period of weather we have been having.
The question is people have told me I an use lime as a sanitizer before I dig it over and maybe part gravel or even concrete a non muddy area for the chucks to escape to. Is it ok to use lime or is there something else better to neutralise the ammonia that is in the soil.
Thanks.

[Chrysalis]

We are doing the same. Stalosan F from the local farm supplies will help neutralise the smell and isn't harmful for chooks.  It's red, though! 

We are going to cover the run with a proper roof - probably UPVC corrugated sheets to keep the light coming in;  and give them somewhere with a solid base as well as a scratching area. 

We have used bark chips in the past, for soaking up the slop to good effect, though some say it can cause respiratory trouble. 

Let us know how you get on!

[ANHBUC]

I second Stalosan F, it is (legally) safe for the chooks not sure if lime would be.

[Mrs Bee]

Yes, Stalosan F. We have had the same muddy problem with the awful weather.

We have built a pergola structure and roofed it with corrugated plastic, put down paving slabs, leaving a patch for dustbathing, put in a paddling pool with sand for extra dust baths and put down lots of straw.

The chickens are much happier now.
And so are we 'cos it is much easier to clean out.

[grinling]

You will prob find that the top has hardened together, so remove the top layer and chuck in compost bin. Lime can help to break up soil, but a fork will work the same. If possible to roof the area to keep rain out would help. Try using paving stones (freecycle,preloved,gumtree) as they can be taken up if needed at a later date.

[angelavdavis]

I also use Stalosan F, but plan to put paving under the run (here's hoping the rain stops!)

[devonbarmygardener]

Our problem isn't that the run isn't covered - we have a large tarpaulin over it.
Our problem is that the chooks are at the bottom of a slope and the water runs down through their run.
We have paving stones by their house.
I turn a corner of the soil over every now and then but I might try this Stalosan F if you guys recommend it.

[grinling]

don't concrete an area.
Is it possible to move them to part of the garden which isn't affected by water as having wet soil could cause problems; or put drainage into the area.(downward channels with pea shingle)

[pepsi100]

Every couple of months or maybe monthly,  I run my rotary digger over the ground, it gives em something to scratch at, I dont put anything into the ground though, they eat all the worms and bugs

I have a covered area for them to shelter under in the rain, but they usually just go in when it does rain

Got a couple of slabs there are well, I have a couple of slabs they sit on in the sun (just for 'chillin' and catching some rays )

Have to see how my new ones cope with it 

[walker]

Thanks everyone for the replies
I've decided that I'm going to take the top of the soil off and compost it then neutralise it with stalosan f , after which I'm going to lay 3/4 of the run and where the ark sits with gravel the rest will be left for scrating topped up with diatom.
Then the next stage will be a course of bricks maybe three high with the six foot avery panels to enclose the run.
Oh also roof panels for the avery panels to keep the crooks dry when it rarely rains in this country      .

[splash101]

I've used gravel in the past, both pea gravel and then later a much larger gravel. The larger gravel worked better for me and the deeper the layer the better.

[Sassy]

I'm sure you can use lime but have read you would need to leave it for a while to neutralise before you could put the birds back in. I think the lime may burn otherwise. Stalosan F is the best bet

[8doubles]

If you have not had a disease problem just dig it over and give it a months rest.