Best run topping for hard surface - wood chips ?

[HeatherRachelS]

Hi! New to this forum and poultry ownership

I have recently aquired 2 rescue layer hens, that have come in a run made from astroturf, and a very small coop, which isn't ideal.

I have bought a new coop/run which should be arriving in the next few days, and have been doing my research as to the best topping for the run. Its 250cm long and 75cm wide (the run).

I have a garden however it is incredibly uneven, and have read that some people will use a hard floor with a decent amount of topping. I initially decided on putting a sublayer ground sheet on the patio before topping with about 2" of hardwood chips. However upon more research, it seems most people use hardwood chippings ontop of soil, and change yearly.

Basically, what is the best topping to use for my situation? I am happy to clean out the pen more regularly if thats all that is needed, but if there is a better option for a topping to use on a patio, please let me know!

Thanks

 

[Quarterhorses1]

Hi! New to this forum and poultry ownership

I have recently aquired 2 rescue layer hens, that have come in a run made from astroturf, and a very small coop, which isn't ideal.

I have bought a new coop/run which should be arriving in the next few days, and have been doing my research as to the best topping for the run. Its 250cm long and 75cm wide (the run).

I have a garden however it is incredibly uneven, and have read that some people will use a hard floor with a decent amount of topping. I initially decided on putting a sublayer ground sheet on the patio before topping with about 2" of hardwood chips. However upon more research, it seems most people use hardwood chippings ontop of soil, and change yearly.

Basically, what is the best topping to use for my situation? I am happy to clean out the pen more regularly if thats all that is needed, but if there is a better option for a topping to use on a patio, please let me know!

Thanks

Is the run covered or exposed to rain?

 

[HeatherRachelS]

Is the run covered or exposed to rain?

It has a roof, but may get rain in from the sides. I would likely cover it in transparent sheeting and secure with bungees in bad weather, as I've read this is advisable?

 

[SueT]

Welcome to BYC! Congrats on your new hens!
I’d leave the run with soil, and not make a floor. Chickens love to scratch in the dirt. Then it’s no problem if rain gets in.

 

[RoyalChick]

I would second what Sue said.
Mine have a covered run and when rain comes in the side they all line up there because the damp soil is better for finding worms.

 

[Quarterhorses1]

It has a roof, but may get rain in from the sides. I would likely cover it in transparent sheeting and secure with bungees in bad weather, as I've read this is advisable?

I would do soil, and yes, I’d do that in bad weather. Pelletililuzed bedding slightly wetter is great in my run

 

[SueT]

I put shavings in my run, over soil. That works out well, it breaks down, attracts bugs for them.

 

[HeatherRachelS]

Welcome to BYC! Congrats on your new hens!
I’d leave the run with soil, and not make a floor. Chickens love to scratch in the dirt. Then it’s no problem if rain gets in.

Thank you! So excited! So I would place soil directly onto my patio in the run area, and it would then attract worms etc? I imagined it would get sluggy in the rain!

 

[SueT]

Thank you! So excited! So I would place soil directly onto my patio in the run area, and it would then attract worms etc? I imagined it would get sluggy in the rain!

Wait, you don’t have a yard? The run, does it have to be on a patio?
This changes everything. Can you take a pic of what you have so we understand what you’re dealing with?

 

[HeatherRachelS]

Wait, you don’t have a yard? The run, does it have to be on a patio?
This changes everything. Can you take a pic of what you have so we understand what you’re dealing with?

Yeah, sorry. I have a yard, but it is very uneven so the coop/run would sit on it properly. So yeah, it would have be on patio! Attached a picture of the patio.