CluckinAround wrote: Tue Feb 11, 2025 1:15 pm
I thought I outsmarted the rats... but theyre proving relentless! Because of my setup, putting an apron around my run wasnt an option, so last summer, I covered the entire run floor with hardware cloth and added about 4 inches of soil on top. It workeduntil winter hit.
Now, the frozen ground has pushed the soil away, and the hardware cloth is basically at the surface, making for a rough landing when my chickens hop down from the roost. My first thought was to just add more dirt, but before I do, is there a better solution? Would laying down a weed barrier before adding soil help? Or should I use something else, like mulch or straw?
Id love any advice. Thanks in advance!
If you're adding more soil, mix in organic matter like compost or mulch to keep it from compacting again. Chickens will enjoy scratching through it!
Egg-spirational Farmer | Sharing Fresh Ideas & Fresh Eggs "Building a better world, one egg at a time."
Instead of just dumping soil back in, consider adding a retaining edge around the run to help keep it in place. A mix of sand, soil, and mulch could work better than just soil alone. Also, if you use hardware cloth again, anchor it well with heavy-duty landscape staples to prevent shifting.
I had a similar issue and ended up using a deep litter method with wood chips and leaves. It not only cushioned the ground but also helped control odors and moisture. The bonus? As it breaks down, it enriches the soil, making it easier to work with long-term.
Egg-spirational Farmer | Sharing Fresh Ideas & Fresh Eggs 
"Building a better world, one egg at a time."
