Bedding for chicken run

[Sarajane330]

This is my first winter having chickens. We get snow, so I’m just wondering what everyone uses as a bedding for the run.
we recently built a better coop and run that has good roofing and protection. But I know some snow will drift into the run.

 

[Duckbreeder2020]

I use hay, it keeps the chickens warm through the winter for me!

 

[DobieLover]

This is my first winter having chickens. We get snow, so I’m just wondering what everyone uses as a bedding for the run.
we recently built a better coop and run that has good roofing and protection. But I know some snow will drift into the run.

Can you cover the run with tarps or cheap clear shower curtains? That helps block the driving wind and keeps most of the snow from blowing in.
I made mine from reinforced clear vinyl.

I use wood chips in the run and add an extra bale of hemp bedding to the coop.

 

[M Brennen]

Can you cover the run with tarps or cheap clear shower curtains? That helps block the driving wind and keeps most of the snow from blowing in.
I made mine from reinforced clear vinyl.
View attachment 2406247
I use wood chips in the run and add an extra bale of hemp bedding to the coop.
View attachment 2406261

How did you attach the clear vinyl?

 

[Matilda Belle]

I use pine shavings in the run in the winter. After I shovel the snow, I have to lay down fresh bedding otherwise the chickens won't go outside. God forbid their feet get cold.

 

[kelzey]

i use straw and leaf litter currently, the girls seem to like it also. i go around and rake up fallen leaves every couple days (if there isn’t any snow on the ground) and just add it on top of what’s already in my run, it has helped a lot- my run used to be really muddy and a mess

 

[LateBirdFarms]

I use the free wood mulch from the local waste management site. Its chipped just large enough that it doesn't break down super quick like shavings do, the girls can still happily kick it around for a good part of the season, it doesn't capture puddles and doesn't get slick with the repeated thaw n freeze.

 

[B-Goock]

Winter i toss my spent pine shavings from the coop into the run to get double use out of it. Being outside the ammonia isn't an issue. I have woods so leaves and it gives them something to scratch around in.

 

[Annalyse]

We put up clear table covers since there strong. Cut and shaped them to fit the open areas where wind and snow can get in. I covered the entire ground with hay. Jeeps there feet warm plus gives them activites like going through it to find treats or to get to the dirt to dust bathe.

 

[DobieLover]

How did you attach the clear vinyl?

I installed snaps to hold it in place then screws ripped down deck boards over all the vertical support members to secure it. The deck boards aren't shown in the picture. I installed them after I took the picture.