After fifteen years of poop picking in the run the level of the soil has dropped drastically year by year. Every year I top up the soil a bit when I see top soil on offer.
The original level of the soil was up to the chickens’ patio. Over time I added one step and then two steps. Six months ago I added the three stakes to stop the steps moving gradually forward each time I step on them.
Whenever I dig over the run I spade up the soil towards the steps but it gradually gets scratched away again. The block and the log are there to stop the soil being scratched away from the patio.
I tipped in the four bags of top soil. The girls love having fresh soil to scratch in. I leave it for them to gradually spread the soil.
For now the level is much improved but it’s something that needs doing several times a year. The girls love the process of the soil being added so it gives them a bit of fun as well reducing the drop for a while.
Click here to see the history of my flock.
You’re right: they will enjoy that. Whenever you post about soil – dust-bathing or whatever, I always think of Cinnamon, the little girl with the big feet, the champion digger. Fond memories.:)
I too have find memories of Cinnamon. Her small size made it so funny when she dug holes that she disappeared into. These days Red is the best and most frequent digger but because she is the biggest girl it isn’t quite so impressive.