Author Topic: Muddy area by shelter (Read 6131 times)

moprabbit · « **on:** October 26, 2012, 10:46:18 am »

I've a shelter in the field for my sheep, but in front of it there is a large muddy area, caused by them constantly going in there!!! In the summer I tried re seeding it but that didn't work.
I wondered if anyone had any ideas as to what I might do?
I can't move the shelter or change the entrance.
Thanks

Foobar · « **Reply #1 on:** October 26, 2012, 11:00:36 am »

Wood chip? (lots)
Cow trak?([size=78%]http://www.solwayrecycling.co.uk/recycled-shop/farmers/cow-trak[/size])

Haylo-peapod · « **Reply #2 on:** October 26, 2012, 11:40:06 am »

I'm doing an experiment with GrassProtecta (from Boddingtons) round the cow's ring feeder this year. It's not a cheap option but if it means we don't have to wade through thick mud and do ourselves a mischief it'll be worth it.

Pedwardine · « **Reply #3 on:** October 26, 2012, 12:47:59 pm »

Rubber matting the open weave design that grass grows through. May also be called stable matting-not sure. That may be the solid kind. Some kinky sounding suppliers I got mine from called 'Rubber for You'! Ooer missis

Mallows Flock · « **Reply #4 on:** October 26, 2012, 01:40:56 pm »

Pop a load of hardcore there then cover it with a bag of HYDRATED lime...the hardcore and lime together will improve the entrance and sort their feet out over the coming wet scald-y months. And its a cheap otion! Hardcore always available on freeads and Freecycle.

luckylady · « **Reply #5 on:** October 26, 2012, 01:59:50 pm »

Temporary solution - a couple of bales (bags) of woodfibre stable bedding. Permanent solution - grass matting.

humphreymctush · « **Reply #6 on:** October 26, 2012, 03:05:50 pm »

remove the shelter

SteveHants · « **Reply #7 on:** October 26, 2012, 04:07:42 pm »

Couple of hurdles over entrance to shelter to keep them out.

Moleskins · « **Reply #8 on:** October 26, 2012, 07:38:29 pm »

An old carpet ?

zarzar · « **Reply #9 on:** October 26, 2012, 10:37:29 pm »

we have wood chip around ours and works a treat but we get it free from the local cemetery when they trim there trees and the local church so we can top it up as needed

dyedinthewool · « **Reply #10 on:** October 26, 2012, 10:54:09 pm »

Quote from: Mallows Flock on October 26, 2012, 01:40:56 pm

Pop a load of hardcore there then cover it with a bag of HYDRATED lime...the hardcore and lime together will improve the entrance and sort their feet out over the coming wet scald-y months. And its a cheap otion! Hardcore always available on freeads and Freecycle.

Agree with Mallows - I've done this with our field shelter and I've nomore problems in fact i made a 8' track to the gate and they lie down on this more than they lie in the shelter....!!!! I do pick up poo on a daily basis (as best I can) so it doesn't encourage grass seeds to grow and then kill off any grass that does once or twice a year.