Best mulch for wandering chickens in the yard?

[supersonja]

Hello fellow chicken friends! First, I must say, this site has been my savior in raising the 3 wonderful ladies I adopted. I am so thankful this community exists!

I have 3 hens that usually stay in their pen area, but I like to let them out to wander the yard (although the veggie garden is blocked off). I am planning to do a little landscaping and part of the space desperately needs a good mulch. I have read here that pine seems to be the one of choice, but I am considering a redwood or California Gold Mulch as it is a bit more accessible in the area. The chickens will be running around and playing and pecking in it, so I want to make sure its safe for them. I'd like something more attractive than straw too, because its occasionally a sitting/social area. What are your suggestions or experiences?

Thank you in advance!

 

[Vicky2479]

Can't really give you advice on the mulch as I don't know what types you have where you live and if it is safe, but I will say that what ever you use be prepared to sweep it up and put it back in the garden bed after the chooks have been at it or before guests arrive because they will enjoy it and dig till their hearts content but will do so without a thought as to who has to clean up after them.

 

[supersonja]

Yes! I'm totally aware of their messy habits. I currently don't have any mulch down now, so its just dirt & dust and a whole lot of ugly! I'm an urban-backyarder living on the Berkeley/Oakland border in CA.

I don't mind sweeping up after the mess they make, but I'd like something that looks nice and is safe for my ladies.

 

[Vicky2479]

Lol excellent, sorry i didnt realise you werent a newbie I have the same problem I am forever sweeping up the dirt and poo. I would use bark chip so long as its not been treated.

 

[Adenium]

We have the big pine bark nuggets. Our girls aren't fully grown but they haven't really messed with it. The older normal cedar mulch is a playpen for them.