Chicken Run Floor Material

[Pnwchicks]

Hi everyone,

We are building our coop and enclosed run. The area of the run was previously a patio so there's gravel that is about 6 inches deep. We plan to dig out at least 3 inches of gravel so we can bring in 6-8" of new material on top of that.

I'm in Eastern WA so we have a decent amount of rain/snow for half the year. The coop/run area has good drainage though.

I'm a first time chicken mom and I am reading so many conflicting things about chicken run material. These are my top 2 choices at this point. Any and all input is SO appreciated!

1.) Sand. A local landscape company sells a course sand (listed as best for paver patios, retaining walls, etc) or a bedding sand (sold for backfilling construction projects). I've heard sand is amazing for "scooping" out the poop similar to kitty litter but I have concerns of coarse sand being rough on the chickens feet, possibly mixing in with the gravel below, maybe stinky in the wet months? I will need to see the size of the bedding sand as well because I'm under the impression you do not want anything fine due to respiratory issues/dust.

2.) Wood Chips. I dont have room for an arborist to come drop off a big truckload. I've been told not to use bagged wood chips because of added dyes. My only other choice I can find is engineered playground chips but they are cedar and I'm reading conflicting things about cedar and chickens...

Now, my kids swingset area has these same cedar chips that have been sitting for the last year "airing out". If its only a matter of the smell being too strong can I use these older cedar chips for the run and I'll just bring in fresh ones to replace my kids area?

This group has been such a great resource the last few weeks! Thank you all for your help!

 

[aart]

Now, my kids swingset area has these same cedar chips that have been sitting for the last year "airing out". If its only a matter of the smell being too strong can I use these older cedar chips for the run and I'll just bring in fresh ones to replace my kids area?

There ya go!!
Even fresh cedar chips might not be aromatic enough to cause problems, especially in a run.

I believe it's eastern cedar is the more aromatic kind, there are other cedars that don't have that aspect. All cedar is long lasting and pest/rot resistant.

 

[RedHillChicken]

We use pine bark chips which are easily available here. I add grass clippings in piles to the runs and the girls love to scratch the grass until it's well dispersed. Drainage is important, and cover over the runs is essential.

 

[aart]

See above comment about cedar. I'm new to chickens, but I believe cedar is toxic to them

If they are new aromatic cedar chips and used inside a small area, yes they can be toxic.
If you read further you will learn that they are not necessarily bad.
Especially in this case where the chips are older and will be used outside.

 

[Penpal]

If I lived in Washington I would cover the run, and possibly make a French drain next to it.

 

[Ryguy3684]

I've always used hardwood chips. They last a long time, are light to haul, cheap ($25/cubic yard near me), and the chickens scratching around drops the bedding down below for cleaner walking around. It also drains well. I put a French drain uphill from my run that works well to divert excessive rain.

 

[AinaWGSD]

why is cedar toxic to chickens?

Cedar (and to a lesser extent, pine) contain phenols that can cause respiratory problems. Studies have shown that they cause changes to liver function (the ones linked in this article are on small animals, but I think I remember reading about people working in the lumber industry having similar liver changes)

I imagine the old cedar chips that have been airing out for a year are probably past the point of being a significant threat. But I personally wouldn't use fresh cedar as bedding, even in a run.

 

[KimbosKluckers]

I’m new too and the conflicting opinions was very overwhelming. I’m actually using garden mulch. Supposedly the dyes are non toxic I didn’t like the sand idea as if it gets wet, it stays wet. Also very heavy for me to haul in. They have a sandbox though. Under the mulch is just dirt ground that they dig into too.

 

[Pnwchicks]

I’m new too and the conflicting opinions was very overwhelming. I’m actually using garden mulch. Supposedly the dyes are non toxic I didn’t like the sand idea as if it gets wet, it stays wet. Also very heavy for me to haul in. They have a sandbox though. Under the mulch is just dirt ground that they dig into too.

Garden mulch sounds like a good option! I agree with you, sand would be very heavy to haul in. I hadn't thought of a sandbox but I'll add that into our plans as well!

 

[SandyRiverChick]

use these older cedar chips for the run and I'll just bring in fresh ones to replace my kids area?

I would do this.