A tricky situation...

[patandchickens]

Usually the cheapest aggregate you can buy is called "roadbase" or "A gravel", it is what's used for building the foundations of roads. (Talk with the aggregate co. representative to figure out what they're calling it

). It is a mix of everything from large gravel pieces on down to sand and some dirt. As long as it is 'clean' (no metal bits or glass) and the gravel in it is not unduly sharp, IMHO it is an excellent economical free-draining fill for chicken runs, larger livestock 'sacrifice paddocks', etc. Not that sized gravel with pure sand atop it is any worse, necessarily, but definitely more expensive

Make sure you can GET a truck or a wheelbarrow (repeatedly) to the run site without creating a mucky rut in which wheels disappear forever.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[enggass]

I can get a Yard of each material for around $10 each. I will have to pay some for delivery. Can anyone give me feedback on whether or not thet would go with sand vs. a 1" minus material? From patandchickens description it sound very similar to 'roadbase'. 1" minus is what my driveway is made of. Sort of like a packed dirt/gravel that does not get muddy.
What are other people in this situation using and finding successful?
Steve

 

[patandchickens]

Roadbase is messier than 1"-minus, but cheaper.

As long as the rocks in your 1"-m9nus are not sharp and you are happy with the price, that is a perfectly good material to use

Pat

 

[enggass]

And sand? It seams that sand would be nicer on the feet, but will it do the job? Maybe I could throw some sand on top of the 1" minus?
Steve