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Dirt versus Straw

post #1 of 6
7/29/12 at 11:46am
Thread Starter 

Is it better to have a dirt floor or straw floor in your chicken run?  I have the run covered so it doesn't get wet.  It seems the chickens prefer the dirt over the straw as I have tried it both ways.  What has been anyone else experience.

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post #2 of 6
7/29/12 at 12:30pm

straw it is healty and unlike dirt when they play or panic it wont make dust that could hurt the chickens.
 

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post #3 of 6
7/29/12 at 12:59pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Buffman View Post

Is it better to have a dirt floor or straw floor in your chicken run?  I have the run covered so it doesn't get wet.  It seems the chickens prefer the dirt over the straw as I have tried it both ways.  What has been anyone else experience.

When the dirt/grass run gets too poopy I lay down some straw over it -- it dries up the poop and is a protective(clean) barrier for the chickens-- they scratch down through it to make a little hollow for their dust baths-- the best of  both worlds I think-- also I leave the run door open most days so they can free range-- it has their feed and waterer inside....

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post #4 of 6
7/29/12 at 4:02pm

It depends on the time of year. In the summer, I have bare dirt or grass clippings. In early fall, I have leaves. And in winter and early spring I have straw. 

I have 18 chickens, one kitten, 3 dogs, 2 hermit crabs, and live on 20 acres in the country. I am CrAzY about chickens and plan on getting more! I am continually working to better my chicken practices and to better my flocks. 

 

~"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle."~Albert Einstein 

 

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I have 18 chickens, one kitten, 3 dogs, 2 hermit crabs, and live on 20 acres in the country. I am CrAzY about chickens and plan on getting more! I am continually working to better my chicken practices and to better my flocks. 

 

~"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle."~Albert Einstein 

 

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post #5 of 6
7/29/12 at 8:34pm

Straw By Far or Hay but preferably straw but you can use dirt or whatever you want AND  WELCOME TO BYC!!!

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post #6 of 6
7/29/12 at 8:50pm

I'm in the same boat out here in the desert.  Lots of dirt, not so much greens.   I'm sure a newb around here, and will be putting pine in the coop, but the hens will have our sandy dirt in the run.  We have a small lawn that I'll put the tractor on once I get the big coop/run finished.
 

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