Add surface materials to muddy run areas

Cover chronically muddy sections of the run with 3–4 inches of pea gravel, coarse sand, or hardwood chips. These permeable materials improve drainage, provide a firm walking surface, and are easier to clean than bare soil. Pea gravel is the most durable option and can be hosed clean. Sand drains well but compacts over time. Hardwood chips decompose and need replenishing every 3–6 months.

Why It Works

Bare soil in a duck run compacts from foot traffic and becomes impermeable, trapping water on the surface as standing mud. Adding a permeable surface layer restores drainage and prevents the anaerobic conditions that cause odor. The material also creates a physical barrier between the ducks and the saturated soil beneath, keeping feet cleaner and reducing bumblefoot risk.

Tips

• Pea gravel (3/8 inch) is the best long-term option — smooth edges won't injure duck feet, drains instantly, and can be pressure-washed
• Avoid large, sharp-edged gravel that can cut duck feet
• Hardwood chips (not cedar or pine bark) work well but must be replaced as they decompose
• Sand is excellent in dry climates but can stay soggy in high-rainfall areas
• Budget roughly $3–5 per square foot for a 4-inch gravel installation