Again, what do I put in the chicken run?

[newhenstein castle]

So I've done some research here but I am still questioning some of it. Straw makes a terrible mess. No! Sand? What kind of sand? From the yard supply store? That sand isn't good for kids playing in it because of carcinogens in it and then some. So I doubt it should get into my eggs. What can I put in my clay pit? I have it covered with clear plastinc roofing to keep them dry but there is always the poop and the PNW moisture that turns the run into hard mudd.

Does anyone have a good solution?

Thanks a bunch.

 

[BarredBuff]

I would say straw or sawdust but sawdust wont last long because they will eat some and then some of it goes to the ground

 

[matthewschickens]

Sawdust works great for us!

 

[lilredhenmom]

I live in SW Washington and I put sand in my run. It works well until...you get a gullywasher and all the mud comes up from the bottom. Once it drys out...it is really clean....no smell. I am gonna dig out the run and replace the sand on the next dry days.....I put in it my garden spot and till it in!

 

[chookchick]

Sand has carcinogens?? What!! Please tell me where you heard such nonsense. If you have a pickup, or know someone who does, you can go to the quarry and get it for very cheap. Or pay a hauler to deliver some.

I live in the PNW and I use wood chip, like from tree trimmers, that I get for free. Half of my run is covered, half is not, and I really like the wood chip. The most important thing is to make sure your run drains off the water in the first place. Raise up the sides with timbers if you have to. Make sure it is not the lowest place in the yard.

 

[joebryant]

See my BYC page. I use sand in my run, and there ain't no carcinogins in it. Geesh!
My coops have pine shavings from Tractor Supply along with food grade diatomaceous earth.

 

[chickerdoodle]

Quote:
Man made sand can cause problems as it has not had all those years of getting polished and smoothed by Mother Nature. Man made sand has sharp pieces of silica that reek havoc in your lungs. Playground sand is safe for birds and kids. We are getting playground sand and some tiny river rock for drainage.

Edited to add silica-- I had forgotten.

 

[Mahonri]

Good sand... and chickens on top of that.

 

[newhenstein castle]

Quote:
Man made sand can cause problems as it has not had all those years of getting polished and smoothed by Mother Nature. Man made sand has sharp pieces of silica that reek havoc in your lungs. Playground sand is safe for birds and kids. We are getting playground sand and some tiny river rock for drainage.

Edited to add silica-- I had forgotten.

Thanks you two chicketchicks. I will have to take some dirt out and see to digging a trench around the run. Then I will fill it up with gravel. As for the sand thanks for backing up my bad sand therory. Some sites I've done research on actually used the word carcinogens and then I read about the silica as well. Where do you get your play sand? Toys r us? I could get river rock from the garden center - do you have a cheap alternative? I live in Vancouver, WA.

Again thanks for the input.

 

[newhenstein castle]

Quote:
Hey, great. I am spreading bark in the yard as we speak. I will grab some of that clay/poo/soil and til it in the beds... Where did you get your sand? Do you happen to live in Vancouver? Sand sounds good, as long as it is silica free.

Thanks,
Conny