Mud mats

[Clodagh]

Those who have these, would they work instead of pavers to sit a hen house on? Or do they sink into the ground?
I’m thinking of a cheaper and easier to lay alternative to paving slabs.

 

[Nicnac]

They'd work perfectly - would also allow air to circulate. Not sure they're cheaper than paving slabs however.

 

[FestiveG]

Easier yes, cheaper doubtful tbh,I think you have to buy at least a half pallet. They would certainly work and I would recommend them. We put some down in a field shelter, on ground that was dug out and hardcored, we then put loads of them down on just soil, some when it was dry and some when it was wet, they were used all winter by two 16.2 horses and they have performed amazingly

 

[Clodagh]

Fantastic, I’ll look at them. I paved 2 hen houses today and it was hard work so I think anything that is easier!
Thank you.

 

[Clodagh]

Are some better than others? There’s loads! Can you recommend a particular brand?

 

[FestiveG]

Fantastic, I’ll look at them. I paved 2 hen houses today and it was hard work so I think anything that is easier!
Thank you.

Forgot to say, we also put a "pad" of them down in the yard to stand the big round haylage bales on ( yard is hardcore so horrible to keep clean) and it's worked really well for that as well

 

[FestiveG]

Mud control mats are what we've used. They weigh about 7kg per may and lick together a bit like Leo lego or a jigsaw.
They are rigid and much thicker than grass mats

 

[Clodagh]

Brand, Mud control look the business?
Cross post!

 

[FestiveG]

Brand, Mud control look the business?
Cross post!

Absolutely, they made a massive difference to our "winter" field. We've been here 25 years and the combination of the shelter and the mats meant that the horses were out all winter for the first time ever. They didn't move off the matted area, from choice, when the ground was wet!

 

[Clodagh]

Anyone good at maths here?
The hen houses are 1.3m square. I don’t want a large excess around the house. I’m sure I should be able to do this calculation… ?

 

[Clodagh]

Looking at their measurements I think 4 might do and the hen house would over hang all round. The next amount would be 9 I think? With a big excess.