Building a coop, need suggestions for run groundcover

[521collective]

Hello! I am new here. I do not have my ladies yet, but am in the process of building a coop and preparing the area for them. I think I have the actual coop part under control. My husband and I are building it out of scrap material until we move out in the country at the end of the year. My issue is that the area under the coop and the entire run is dirt. There are a few weeds, but other than that, just dirt. Do I need to plant something here? I am not sure of what will grow because it will be in the shade for much of the day. The area is 8x24'. If I do not plant anything, should I cover it with mulch or hay? Sorry, I am new to this and want to provide a great home for these sweet layers!

 

[BlueWater29]

Sand, Easy to clean and stays dryer.

 

[521collective]

Thanks Bluewater29! I was hoping that would be ok. Should I do anything for greenery? I just keep reading all of these threads talking about grass or even giving them alfalfa hay. Do I feed them in the coop only, or throw out food in the sand for them to pick at? I am just afraid they won't have much to eat with it just being sand. Once again, I am new to this, so sorry for all the beginner questions!

 

[BlueWater29]

Layer feed has balanced nutrition chickens need. You can give them treats sometimes.
Grass in the run will turn into mud. They will eat roots and all.