Coop Materials

[Dom G]

Hey everyone! I’m want to switch the ground cover of my coop. I’m using straw right now. Hard to clean, always seems dirty no matter what. What do you use? Any suggestions/tips? Thanks!

 

[mossyoakpro]

I'm going to sand just as soon as I use up the shavings I have...it is crazy easy to keep clean with a pooper scooper/muck fork. I can clean my entire run which is twice the size of my coop in 10 minutes or less.

 

[Sammster]

I use sand. It needs to be coarse sand. Bagged course sand is NOT coarse. I get mine from a local sand & gravel supplier

 

[Tired old Rooster]

I go with plain old mother Earth and use a plastic rake to install order in things.

 

[aart]

Hey everyone! I’m want to switch the ground cover of my coop. I’m using straw right now. Hard to clean, always seems dirty no matter what. What do you use? Any suggestions/tips? Thanks!

Do you have a place to store a truckload of wood chippings from a tree trimmer?

 

[Dom G]

Do you have a place to store a truckload of wood chippings from a tree trimmer?

Not really, why?

 

[Dom G]

I use sand. It needs to be coarse sand. Bagged course sand is NOT coarse. I get mine from a local sand & gravel supplier

Thank you!

 

[aart]

Not really, why?

Because it's the best run bedding....and a big pile will last a couple-few years....and it's usually free.

 

[Tahai]

First, are you talking about your coop or your run? Using "ground cover" and "coop" in the same sentence is throwing off my understanding of your question.

I use sand in my 4x8 foot coop. It works well if you are someone who is willing to scoop daily. Not so well if you prefer to set-it-and-forget it for several days. (crushed limestone construction sand from my local gravel company)

I use straw in my 10x20 foot run. sorry. my run is roofed with wire, but open to the elements. I find the straw gets worked down into the soil by the hens and breaks down into a rich beautiful loam over time. The loam drains nicely, as opposed to my native clay soil which barely drains at all. I occasionally throw some aspen shavings in the worst spots if it's an especially muddy area.

Best wishes on your change-over, whatever you decide on .

 

[Percheron chick]

You can also usually get free wood chips from the city and county yards. A pickup load should last all year.