Hen run

Raven81 · « **on:** May 15, 2011, 20:12 »

I have built my hen house complete with nest boxes and run. WHat is recommended for the floor of the run? Am I best to keep it as normal dirt (we have clay soil) or to buy some bark chippings? or anything else? I have a small garden with a very close by neighbour so need to be able to regularly either change or clean or turn over the ground, but I am happy to do whatever is necessary to keep the smell down.

Lewjam · « **Reply #1 on:** May 15, 2011, 20:39 »

It's normally 2m sq per bird, but the more the better really!

trish25158 · « **Reply #2 on:** May 16, 2011, 11:17 »

I use hardwood chippings (bark gets mouldy) and poo pick, don't have a problem usually with smell. However when it rains it settles on the clay and turns into a quagmire so have to top up more often in winter

gracie · « **Reply #3 on:** May 16, 2011, 11:22 »

We just have soil that i dig over every weekend. I am going to put a few slabs down as well so they will have a mixed area. I also salvage any turf if i see any that friends have dug up or builders laying etc and the chickens get the green side for a few days, then I turn it over for them to scratch on the bottom then i break it up and mix it into the soil which helps to keep the soil levels up. I dont know where it goes but the turf so far has mixed in well

Raven81 · « **Reply #4 on:** May 16, 2011, 12:04 »

thanks. I'll have a think, funnily enough we were jut saying this morning about putting a few slabs down for them!!!

Hen run

Raven81

Hen run

Lewjam

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trish25158

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gracie

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Raven81

Re: Hen run