Chicken run material…

[Sammster]

This is the coarse sand I use in part of my set-up. I do scoop it, daily. It's so quick and easy, I'm planning to use it in the run, come spring

 

[raingarden]

Mold and mildew (fungi) are an important part of the composting process. Leaf mold is a cherished commodity for gardening. If the composting ecosystem is working there will be little creatures to consume the fungi and their by-products so you never see a lot of white fuzz. Pine straw and wood chips decompose very slowly. That makes them less desirable for making compost but more desirable for mulching and a chicken coop.

 

[3KillerBs]

Mold and mildew (fungi) are an important part of the composting process. Leaf mold is a cherished commodity for gardening. If the composting ecosystem is working there will be little creatures to consume the fungi and their by-products so you never see a lot of white fuzz. Pine straw and wood chips decompose very slowly. That makes them less desirable for making compost but more desirable for mulching and a chicken coop.

I judge by smell.

If it smells moldy/mildewy I have a problem.

If it smells like a forest floor it's just exactly right.