Bark mulch or sand?

[LeahOregon]

We live in Portland, OR, so it rains a lot here. We have about a 200 sq. ft. run (uncovered) for our 4 girls, and we need ground cover that will stand up to rain and poop, but still allow our hens to scratch for goodies.

I've searched the index, and everyone says sand is the best, but it doesn't seem like that would be very much fun for the chickens. Bugs don't live in sand, so scratching would get boring pretty fast, right?

We're thinking of laying down a thick layer (about 3") of bark mulch, since they love scratching in the mulch in our flower beds.

What do you think? Sand or mulch? What kind of mulch is best for chickens?

Thanks,

Leah

 

[Dogfish]

Sand. Mulch would get REALLY smelly, and shoveling out 3+ yards of smelly wet mulch wouldn't be much fun. Toss some scratch in there for fun, or go buy some meal worms for them for entertainment.

 

[Mahonri]

Do half in sand and half with the bark.

I can assure you, you'll know what you want after one year of comparing the two.

 

[patandchickens]

And the one you want will end up being the sand. Bark mulch will get incredibly stinky in a wet climate.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat