Boggy Ground

[Anonymous]

I'm new to keeping chickens and am just at the 'getting ready for them to arrive' stage. I was wondering if anyone would know if it's ok to keep my coop and run on a paved area during winter months as our grassed area is very boggy, heavy clay and has standing water all over. I was thinking of putting down some bark or similar onto the patio slabs for them to scratch about in? I have read that I need to give them fresh greens too. I intend to give them free range in the drier weather. Any help would be appreciated! :roll:

 

[podstable]

I found wood chips etc just get churned into a soggy clayey mess. I have now put a thick layer of Leylandii braches/off cuts down in breeding pens . Its working well so far , its too big to mix into the clay ,too big to be scratched up and lets the air circulate . It also smells quite nice and is keeping feet dry ----and it was free from a tree surgeon! Ros

 

[Anonymous]

Hi. Your chicken house will be fine on paving slabs or similar in the winter with the woodchips to rummage in. Make sure they are hard wood chips so that they don't go mouldy and cause a respiritory problem (which soft wood chips can). Another alternative is rubber chips. These can easily be hosed off and kept clean. I haven't tried these myself but have seen posts in the past from other people recommending them. I think you may be able to get them in B and Q. Good luck with your new arrivals!