Best bedding if any for run

[CBell7312000]

So I have lemon cuckoo Orpingtons. We had planned for them to be free range but unfortunately lost most of our flock. We are building a new 150 sq ft run for them to have. I’d like to keep about 10-12 hens and 1 rooster in this run. Our current small run and coop has construction sand but I put that in there when they were free ranging and they were just in there in the evening and on bad weather days. Do I just leave the grass in the new run?? Or do I need to go ahead and put more sand down? Their diet is a work in progress but we will be feeding them mealworms and wheat grass soon along with other items that are just thrown down on the ground. We also cover our entire runs (currently) with hardware cloth. My main concern is I don’t want to be weed eating or mowing inside a run but since it has the wire in the bottom, I don’t want them walking directly on that either.

If we just put a perimeter of the hardware cloth around the run (which I’m honestly reluctant to do because of predators in our area), would it be easier to just leave the ground and grass inside the run. Our coop will be raised inside the run and grass would grow underneath making it difficult to keep cut. Thanks!

 

[Chad Oftedal]

So the hardware cloth is laid at the base of the run on the ground, and stretches out for 18-24", whatever you prefer. This is done around the perimeter of the run. Now, a predator comes right up to the fence of the run, and attempts to dig under. They hit the hardware cloth and can't dig down to get under the fence. They don't know that they need to back up 18-24" to get away from the hardware cloth before they start digging. Even if they did, it substantially more digging for them. I haven't read stories here where the predators have figured this out. So, that's the logic for laying an "apron" of hardware cloth around the perimeter.

 

[Ruralhideaway]

Here's an example. Resist the temptation to cover the skirt with rocks or block. That can get the predators digging farther back under the skirt.

 

[Cheers2Ya]

I designed my run to specifically be able to keep grass in it at all times. I made it into two paddocks so I could close one off if needed, for grass recovery. The chickens LOVE the grass, weeds, dandelions, and bugs. However, at this time my chickens all free range entirely, unless there is a need to lock them in the run. Keep the grass if you can! No weed eating in the coup needed!

Edited to say, please reconsider covering the ground with hardware clot. That will likely lead to injuries and missing nails. Also, they won't be able to forage for bugs as easily. A perimeter of hardware cloth is great though. And, once stapled down flat to the ground, the grass will grow right through it allowing a lawn mover to go over without a problem. You won't even be able to see it, as it becomes part of the ground!

 

[blackdog043]

You and your chickens, will be happiest with a deep litter run. You will have a non smelly run, if DL is done right and your chickens will have a great area to dig in.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/muddy-run-help-please.1037998/#post-16017992

 

[Chickens rule 33]

We use wood chipping inside the coop
And leave the run with just grass as they love to peck about in the grass

 

[Hopperkiller]

You most probably wont have to weedeat. They will do that for you if confined. 6 chickens in my 100 square foot run keep the ground bare. Putting the hardware cloth on perimeter will work well especially if attached to bottom of run. I did that with 4 foot welded wire fencing to keep the coyotes out. Animals will usually dig close to the fenced area. Thats why i secure the heck out of it to the run.

 

[Hopperkiller]

So I'm really new... Did you say you're putting chicken wire on the bottom of the run? Do predators did under a run to get to chickens? We have coyotes, bobcats, snakes, Hawks and owls that I'm aware of. Should I consider this step in my run?

On the outside perimeter is how mine is done. Caught a coyote at noon trying to dig under. I dont want mesh in my run so the chickens can dig and do their thing. But depending on where you live their are a lot of predators who will dig. We have a few badgers now and then in my area and my setup may or may not stop them but coyotes, coons, and bobcats, and possibly ringtailed cats will be stopped.

 

[csaylorchickens]

My hens ate all the grass in their run in three days!! And I had a large run. 5 hens. I used sand which I loved. It's just hard work filling the run with all that sand. Sand is also hard in winter if it freezes. I now moved and have 6 oak trees on the property and use all the leaves for the litter. Works way better. Bug galore for the girls, they turn the leaves over all the time, and I just Rake out the old and put in new every few months. We just had 5 inches of rain so I had to use wood shavings for extra but I like using leaves best.

 

[Bobby Basham]

I use sand, but lemme tell you, you gotta rake out the poo if you do, or you'll be sorry when it gets warm and wet. The smell will knock you over. Sand takes some maintenence, as it becomes a packed down dirt floor after awhile of being left alone. I don't mind the maintenence, and I like that my girls stay nice and clean and their nails and feet stay exfoliated. It drains pretty well, so we don't get a muddy run unless I've neglected it. I've also have yet to have issues with mites, I think the sand might help with that too. I dig up the run every 6 mo. and amend the sand yearly. In winter, I'll throw pine shavings over the sand so they aren't having to stand on icy cold sand.

I do have sand in my run (no coop yet), but I'm gonna use an electric hand-held rototiller and turn everything under, then add a variety of suitable deep bedding. It's been in the box for three years and hopefully still works. It's supposed to dig 6 inches deep and 6 inches wide.