[Devonian]

I would like to move my hens into a permanent large run (10m x 5m) where old pine trees used to grow.  The top layer is around 5-6 inches of old pine needles and small soft pine chippings left from when the trees were felled.

I will, of course, put suitable dustbaths etc down but does this sound suitable ground for my girls?    Does anyone anticipate any problems here?   

Thanks!   

[Roughlee Handled]

How many chucks do you have?

But the first glaring problem will be after the first rain. It will be on massive mud bath.  I would suggest you seed it with grass, or put a roof on it.

[Devonian]

I have 6 hens - I have actually found the ground dries very quickly after rain (quicker than grass) as it just seeps through the top layer.   I was worried about the potential acidity of the ground.    However, I think I will probably put grass seed on half of it so I need to find out is there a recommended grass for hens?

[Roughlee Handled]

Grass is what gives the eggs there yellowness.  When hens and loose soil and rain mix you will be amazed at the mud.


http://www.meadowmania.co.uk/default.cfm/loaddoc.95  (I have not used this)

http://www.thegrassseedstore.co.uk/500-poultry-grazing-pasture-p-104.html (Expensive but I have used this and I am on my first winter holding up well).

[upert]

if you give them greens then the eggs will get all the yellowness you can handle. i partly 'pined' an area of my chicken run and it remains satisfactorily dry after even the heaviest shower.

[Rubellite]

Grass is what gives the eggs there yellowness.  When hens and loose soil and rain mix you will be amazed at the mud.


http://www.meadowmania.co.uk/default.cfm/loaddoc.95  (I have not used this)

http://www.thegrassseedstore.co.uk/500-poultry-grazing-pasture-p-104.html (Expensive but I have used this and I am on my first winter holding up well).

Thanks for this link Ruff - interesting site - been meaning to find somewhere to get hold of some grass seed for around the pond, although we have sown some it is very patchy and IF it ever rains it will become a complete mud bath. Have ordered some tonight

[Roughlee Handled]

Thanks for this link Ruff - interesting site - been meaning to find somewhere to get hold of some grass seed for around the pond, although we have sown some it is very patchy and IF it ever rains it will become a complete mud bath. Have ordered some tonight

Actually I got it from one of Foxy's posts.  It is a good close sward thought.

[Sassy]

http://www.meadowmania.co.uk/default.cfm/loaddoc.95  (I have not used this)

http://www.thegrassseedstore.co.uk/500-poultry-grazing-pasture-p-104.html (Expensive but I have used this and I am on my first winter holding up well).

I have used the Meadowmania seed and it did not come up. It may, of course, be to do with local conditions and/or preparation!!