[robbiegrant]

We have been thinking about what to line the base of our predator proof, covered run for our runners  so the concrete base doesnt callous there wittle tootsies... A friend of mine suggested astroturf.

What a good idea we thinks.

Wondering  If anyone has tries this and if so what type of AT works the best. ( there seems to be a number of different types )

any ideas???

[mojocafa]

Have you looked into prices, it is very expensive for the proper AstroTurf and you get a cheaper equivalent in b&q but I imagine the ducks could rip through it as it is thinner than the real McCoy . I costed this in the spring for a safe play area for children and it was going to be a 4figured sum

Good luck. Mojo

[Brucklay]

We use astro turf (or similar) for all our bird of prey shelves and perches. Yes the tough stuff is the best and lasts for years, even with them pecking it.


One tip is to try your local golf club as they probably use it and may have scraps or off cuts they are willing to give away or sell cheaply.


When I was in Perthshire our local club was very helpful.

[graham-j]

Hi,sounds like a really good idea,it should be really easy to hose off.
However I keep my ducks in bare smooth run with out any problems,they also have a small swimming pool 4'x2'x2' to play in this holds there attention most of the day.

Graham.

[hughesy]

I would imagine it would be a difficult thing to clean.

[Bionic]

My townie friends have astroturf in their back garden. It was very expensive and he is very protective of it. He wasn't pleased when after the first year it had to be redone. It has had very little use as his kids are grown up.
Still Brucklays comments are positive so maybe give it a try if you can get some cheaply enough.
Sally

[Beeducked]

I would have thought it would be very difficult to keep clean as it will get caked in faeces very quickly and hard to wash off. They also like to dibble in the ground and unless it is very tough they might damage it.


When I have had to keep my ducks in a limited area I have used bark chippings which cushion the floor, are absorbent and can bee turned over or added to as they get mucky. Every now and then they can be cleared out and compost down very nicely with all that duck poo on them.

[Brucklay]

Owl poo is very similar to duck poo - I can assure you - power wash it and it's as good as new - although I must admit a good drainage solution is required.

[colliewoman]

Stable matting works a treat too
I am off to check a magazine I had, some farming one had an advert for free astroturf I'm sure
Hopefully I haven't given the mag away yet

[Carl f k]

Robbiegrant....... Let us know if it works.. I bet others will copy the idea..myself being one