Seasonal Run Care for Your Flock
by Linda F
Published November 21, 2024
As the seasons change, so does your flock’s run. Summer may turn it into a dust bowl, spring and fall perhaps a mud pit. Winter could bring a snow-covered ice rink with slippery falls for you as you carry feed and fresh warm water to your flock. (I may be speaking from experience, and yes, if you catch it on video your children will laugh every time they see it as they comment it was amazing you didn’t spill anything.) Each season has unique challenges for you, your flock, and the run.
Preparing Your Run for Fall
We are currently in the fall season, so let’s start there. In the fall it’s a good idea to get things cleaned up so the winter winds aren’t blowing debris into the run, potentially damaging fencing, the coop, or even injuring you or your chickens. There may be items you use in spring, summer, and fall that are no longer useful in the winter.
For example, I usually put my duck pools away for the winter so they don’t blow away or fill with water, freeze, and crack, but if they do begin leaking, they can be repurposed for growing flowers or shallow-rooted garden plants and can also be used to hold a dust bath for your flock. I also switch out my top-fill Quick Clean 5 Gallon Bucket Waterers for rubber feed pans to better accommodate freezing temperatures. Rubber pans withstand harsh weather, are easy to clean, and can be filled enough for ducks and geese to submerge their beaks. Some rubber feed pans fit nicely into old tires to stop them from being knocked over. Adding some active compost to the inside of the tire and under the pan can help insulate the pan and delay the water from freezing.
Managing Mud in the Run
Mud, if you have it, can be a problem for both you and your flock. For you, it can be slippery. For the flock, it can increase the risk of bumblefoot and can harbor parasites. Adding wood chips to your run can help absorb water and get your birds above the mud. You may also want to read our guide How to Fix a Muddy Run. As a temporary solution, there are times I will add a layer of straw, hay, or shavings to keep the birds off mud or wet snow.
Fall Cleanup and Reseeding
If you have a grassy or overgrown area in the run, fall is a nice time to cut it back. This not only reduces cover for predators but also improves visibility as daylight hours shorten. Fall is also a nice time to reseed bare spots. You will likely need to add a temporary fence to keep the birds out of that area because they will eat the seed if they find it, and they usually do.
A walk-through of the run to pick up sticks, debris, or forgotten items is another essential fall task. Removing tripping hazards benefits you and anyone helping with your birds’ care.
Covering and Insulating the Run
If you have a run that is small enough to cover, you may want to add a cover to part or all of it. Tarps or large pieces of greenhouse plastic work well and can be secured with things like spring clamps or bungee cords. This can help keep the run drier for the wet seasons but know you may need to remove snow so it doesn’t get too heavy. Covering the sides – especially the windward side – can also make a significant difference in keeping your flock comfortable during cold and windy weather.
Inspecting and Adding Roosts
If you have roosts in your run, this is a good time to make sure these are in good condition and won’t break from the wind or snow. If you found some large branches during your cleanup walk-through, you can set some up for roosts. Having outdoor roosts can encourage activity during the colder months and give the birds a place to bask in the sun. Remember to use larger diameter branches though, so your birds can tuck their toes up under the bodies to stay warm. If you use a 2” x 4” the wider part should be facing up for that reason.
What steps do you take to prepare your flock’s run for the colder months? We’d love to hear your tips and tricks – share your thoughts in the comments below!
Related Posts You Might Like
Bald Spots in Day-Old or Young Chicks: Should I Worry?
Brooding can be so much fun, but no one expects bald spots on their chicks! Learn about what causes them, and if you need to worry.
What Your Chicken’s Comb Can Tell You
Learn what your chickens’ combs can reveal about their health, laying status, and overall well-being. From bright red to pale, blue, or blackened combs, discover the key signs to watch for and how daily observation can help you catch potential health issues early.
Standard vs Bantam Chicken Breeds
Trying to decide between bantam and standard-sized chickens? While both make wonderful additions to a flock, they differ in size, space requirements, hardiness, egg production, and cost. This blog post breaks down the key differences to help you choose the best breed type for your space, climate, and poultry goals.