Best covering for floor of run

[ShellieD]

We are just putting the finishing touches on our coop my hubby built and plan to move the girls in within a few days. I'm a first time chicken farmer, so I am curious as to what you guys suggest for the floor of the run. My husband put chicken wire across the floor area to prevent critters from digging in. The coop and run will be on dirt and is fairly large, so moving it will be next to impossible. Should I use sand or shavings or hay?

 

[Cynthia12]

I use shavings in the coop, nothing in the run..it's dirt. I use straw in the winter, as we get snow here.
I worry about straw. There's critters in thar straw.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC. You have some good advice from @Cynthia12 - for further info, type - "covering for runs" in the search box and see what pops up.

All the best
CT

 

[drumstick diva]

a lot of folks use sand

 

[FridayYet]

Welcome to BYC! I like deep litter, lots of mixed organic materials that the chickens can scratch in. You don't have to clean it much once it gets going.

Good luck!

 

[sumi]

Welcome to BYC

Glad you joined us! Sand is a popular one: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/444759/got-sand-you-should/0_30 Especially if it rains/snows much where you are.