Chicken Run Question

[CheerfulF0x]

When the run was built, grass covered the floor of it.
Then chickens moved in and now the floor of the run is essentially dirt.
Should I add anything to it (Shavings, mulch, sand, etc.)? Should I not?
I want to keep the odor to a minimum, prevent flies, and give the chickens something fun to scratch around in.

Any help/advice is greatly appreciated!


Edit: Any mulches that should be avoided besides Cedar?

 

[NavChik]

When the run was built, grass covered the floor of it.
Then chickens moved in and now the floor of the run is essentially dirt.
Should I add anything to it (Shavings, mulch, sand, etc.)? Should I not?
I want to keep the odor to a minimum, prevent flies, and give the chickens something fun to scratch around in.

Any help/advice is greatly appreciated!

Try pine pellets and play ground mulch

 

[CommunistEgg]

I am in the same boat and relatively new to owning chickens. From what I understand flies will come for the poop regardless of the floor. You can pick up the droppings or hang fly traps to help. And I think the main thing about what you put down is how dry your run is. If it's wet a lot you don't want just dirt that will get muddy so adding wood, sand, straw helps get you needed drainage.

 

[CheerfulF0x]

Try pine pellets and play ground mulch

Where is a good place to find pine pellets?

 

[ChickForLife]

Your local Tractor Supply.

 

[Kiki]

Read this post:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/muddy-run-help-please.1037998/post-16017992

 

[NavChik]

I know Tractor Supply carries them. I would think anyone that sales horse bedding would sale them as well

 

[CheerfulF0x]

Read this post:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/muddy-run-help-please.1037998/post-16017992

Heading there now.
Thank you!

 

[3KillerBs]

Wood chips, shavings, straw, pine straw, fall leaves, ... any dry, brown organic material that comes readily to hand. A mix of materials, sizes, and textures is better than just one material.

Do a search on "Deep Litter" to learn more.

 

[Kiki]

Did you read it?
Did it make sense?