If chickens to be kept in permanent run - help on good husbandry

Hi everyone,

when i get my girls they are going to be kept in a permanent run, through the day but let out into a bigger space when were in, what are the best things to do to keep chooks healthy ie how to clean run or what to clean with, they will be kept on soil or can put something on top if better, and to help prevent build up of worms or diseases, and to keep it smelling nice.

Thank you

Hi there! we do exactly this with our ex batts!  I use soft wood chippings on the floor of the run which is directly in contact with the soil so they can scartch about and have a dust bath-Our run is covered which helps enormously with keeping the area clean and dry.  Twice weekly I sprinkle Bio Dri into the litter and rake it in-You can only get this on line but it's worth every penny!!  We change the litter in the run once a month.  The coop gets changed weekly and I pick the poop out daily! The coop and wooden bits of the run are  sprayed with anti red mite solution monthly.  I worm the girls with Flubivet as reccommended as there is always a chance that an earth worm may be devoured which carry worm eggs.  I only let mine out into the garden when I'm home and under strict supervision.  In the sink holes the ladies make whilst dust bathing I sprinkle lice powder and rake that into their "Spa" area!  I'm still learning, but so far so good the aforementioned is working well for us!!