Coop cleaning problems

[Newseramabreeder]

I have problems with my chicken run getting wet and very stinky and it’s very hard to clean up is there any suggestions on what I could do to make it easier?

 

[WIchickMama]

If it isn't covered I would cover it.

Also adding some dry mulch, dry leaves, or other similar materials will help soak up some wet.

Do you have any more pics so we can see the whole set up?

Where are you located, that will help as well?

 

[Newseramabreeder]

If it isn't covered I would cover it.

Also adding some dry mulch, dry leaves, or other similar materials will help soak up some wet.

Do you have any more pics so we can see the whole set up?

Where are you located, that will help as well?

Yeah I don’t have it covered and I’m located in upstate South Carolina

 

[NorthwoodsChick]

Can you fashion a cover or tarp to keep rain out? Try a thick layer of wood chips.

 

[SmiYa0126]

Yeah I don’t have it covered and I’m located in upstate South Carol

Yeah I don’t have it covered and I’m located in upstate South Carolina

Clean up poo as much as possible, I use straw instead of pine chips. Like the other person said, use leaves, wood chips to keep things dry. Rake through once a week to keep things moving.

 

[aart]

Might help to cover...... but I see no bedding in there at all?
Coarse wood chippings would be best, but any dry plant material will help almost immediately.

 

[Idaho Chicken Bungalow]

If you do use wood chips/shaving, please use only pine. Leaves are awesome. Just put them in a pile and the chooks will have a blast spreading it out for you. Please note not to use anything that may have mold.

 

[BarnyardChaos]

Is this area raised enough that rainwater doesn't run into or collect in the run? It looks like you have plenty of room there, I'd enlarge the run about double the space, make sure the ground is raised enough to stay above flood stage, and cover it with pine chips. The girls will dig through the chips to find a dust bath, or you can provide an old tire or kiddy pool (with drain holes!) for a dust bathing area. Having more area to move around will help with drying it out, too.

 

[3KillerBs]

What's the drainage like in that area?

While coarse wood chips are excellent for controlling mud and odor, no bedding can substitute for good drainage.

You need to make sure that water flows around and away from your run rather than into and through it.

Depending on circumstances you may need diversion ditches, French drain, grass swales, or even re-grading of the area with heavy machinery (at this point you might consider relocating the coop to better-drained ground).

 

[Newseramabreeder]

Can you fashion a cover or tarp to keep rain out? Try a thick layer of wood chips.

Yes how often would I have to change the wood chips?