Tips for Mud Problems

Even in the summer a sudden downpour can quickly yield all the solid dry earth where chickens have scratched at too pools of mud. Earlier in my blog I mentioned use of wood chips and not bark chips as these can become moldy and carry potentially harmful bacteria. However, I've also come across some new suggestions, under these wood chips you can place a 'weed control' mesh this will prevent the chips from being sunken into the ground beneath them. Some keepers are now saying they use rubber chippings as they are long lasting, safe, easy to clean and won't rot or freeze. If anyone uses these chippings please let me know if they are effective! Its important to use chippings if there is little grass as it will encourage the hens natural sense of foraging. In addition, you may choose to put perches outside the coop to try and keep the hens of the ground, you can encourage this by hanging CD's and cabbages near the perch for them to peck at.