Bedding for run?

[bantambliss]

I have a coop attached to a run that once had green grass, but my chickens have destroyed that green grass and now all they have is dirt. I clean their poop out every day, but dirt doesn’t give them much to scratch in... I’m wondering if I should use some sort of bedding or substrate? But I do not have an easy way to rake it out when it gets dirty... I could use any suggestions... thanks!

 

[KiwiandPeachthePigeons]

Wood shavings maybe?

 

[rosemarythyme]

Aged wood chips mixed with other organic matter like dried leaves and garden trimmings. You don't really ever have to remove it and it allows for good through drainage if it ever gets wet.

 

[bantambliss]

Aged wood chips mixed with other organic matter like dried leaves and garden trimmings. You don't really ever have to remove it and it allows for good through drainage if it ever gets wet.

Thanks! I will try that! Should I use old pine shavings? And do I need to take out droppings regularly from the bedding?

 

[rosemarythyme]

I'm personally not keen on using shavings - they mat down when wet (instead of draining and drying like chunkier chips). Drainage is a huge concern for me since I get a lot of rain and I used to have mud/stink issues in the run. Plus chips (and leaves, garden bits) are free for me, so that's a huge advantage for me vs buying shavings.

I spot clean my run daily but I don't really need to, my deep litter mix can handle it just fine, but I collect the poop for my compost bin plus this just keeps big poops out of the way so I don't step on them.

 

[aart]

My runs have semi-deep litter(cold composting), never clean anything out, just add smaller dry materials on occasion, add larger wood chippings as needed.
Aged ramial wood chippings are best IMO.

 

[bantambliss]

this sounds great! is there a particular store or site to get the wood chips at?

 

[aart]

this sounds great! is there a particular store or site to get the wood chips at?

Kinda gotta find a tree trimmer willing to dump their chip truck.

 

[rosemarythyme]

this sounds great! is there a particular store or site to get the wood chips at?

Depending on your location, it can be very easy to get chips. Tree companies around my area are desperate to get rid of them because they otherwise have to pay to dump them, so anyone who'll take them saves them money.

 

[bantambliss]

Actually, I just found out that we have a wood chipper! Thx though!