how to keep chicken run dry
Having mud or wetness in a run can lead to dirty eggs and an unhealthy flock. Here are tips on how to keep a chicken run dry so you can create a healthier environment.
Use this list as a starting point for raising chickens that have strong immune systems so they can fight off diseases more easily.
If you’ve ever had chickens in your backyard, then you know how important it is to keep their area dry and free of standing water.
A wet run is not only inconvenient but also unhealthy for your birds, and it can lead to health issues such as bumblefoot and coccidiosis, which can threaten the quality of your flock.
What is bumblefoot?
Bumblefoot is an infection that affects a chicken’s foot. It is usually caused by wetness, mud, and an overly dirty run area. The most common symptom is a chicken that is limping or holdingup their leg for extended periods of time.
When you look at the foot, you may see a red, swollen lump that can be painful and may feel hard to the touch. In more severe cases, the foot and/or leg may feel hot.
To treat bumblefoot in a chicken:
If you do have a chicken with bumblefoot, these tips will help.
- Soak the affected foot in Epsom salts to help draw out the infection.
- Clean the foot to soften up the tissue.
- Finish with a spray to kill bacteria.
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To prevent bumblefoot and other issues, chickens must always have access to dry ground or bedding that they can retreat to when things get wet.
How to Keep a Chicken Run Dry
Try some or all of these tips to help keep the area outside of your chicken coop dryer and more pleasant for your flock.
#1. Use the Sun
Make sure the run is built in a dry, sunny spot as the heat of the sun will help to keep things dryer.
#2. Fix Compacted Soil
Many times, the soil in a run can get compacted over time, keeping water lying on top rather than being absorbed. To help, routinely turn the soil with a shovel or tiller to keep it more porous.
#3. Absorbent Bedding
Adding a layer of bedding such as wood chips, shredded paper, or straw can help to soak up some of the moisture. We like to put a thick layer in a sheltered spot in the run to give them a dry space to go.
My preferred solution for a wet chicken run is wood chips. Not only does it provide an effective barrier between your chickens and water in a run, but chickens love to scratch in it, encouraging the matter to compost down more quickly.
#4. Drainage
Keep an eye on the ground for signs of standing water, and re-grade or add drainage channels if needed. If you need to install drainage to your run, read out tips below.
#5. Install an Overhang
Consider adding a small roof over the door of the coop to protect against rain. We added an overhang a few years ago and it made a huge difference in the quality of our run.
#6. Dust Bath
Make sure your chickens always have access to a dry dust bath, as this helps them stay dry and healthy in wet weather. For more tips, see how to make a homemade chicken dust bath.
#7. Pay Attention
Monitor your chicken’s health closely so you can catch any issues before they get out of hand. Watch for anyone who is not eating, drinking, or will not come off the roost or out of the coop. These are all signs there is a problem that needs your attention.
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#8. Temporary Run
If your run is overly wet you may want to give it a break allowing it time to dry up more quickly. We like to use a temporary run to hold our chickens in a different area outside that is still off the coop giving them access to both areas.
You can use chicken wire and a few garden stakes to close off a secure area on fresh ground. After a week, your muddy run should be in better shape, allowing you to return your flock.
How to add drainage channels to a chicken run.
If you live in an overly wet area, you may want to consider installing channels to give the excess water somewhere to go.
- Dig a shallow trench or channel around the perimeter of the run.
- Add gravel or small rocks to fill in the bottom of the trench, creating a layer of drainage beneath the surface.
- Cover this with mesh or another material that will allow water to flow freely into the trench without clogging it up with debris.
- Connect the trench to a drainage pipe that will carry the water away from the run.
- Test out your new drainage system so you can see if it works and where the water goes. You will want to be sure it is not flowing back into the chicken run.
The best advice I can give when raising chickens is to be hands on and proactive with their care and health. Chickens are fine until they are not, meaning they will usually mask any issues with their health until it is too late.
Keep a clean home, feed the best feed, and keep them protected from predators and you will have a healthier flock.
By following these tips on how to keep a chicken run dry, you will raise healthy and hardy egg layers no matter how wet the weather is.
