chicken run question

[Birdygirl]

My husband and I almost have our coop done however we have a question regarding ground cover around the coop. Right now the ground is bare due to just having the hillside cut out a little for the coop.
We are not sure what to put on the ground...chickens will denude grass after awhile right?
Can we use anything such as mulch or sand vs grass?
yes, we do plan to let them free range or build a tractor..
any suggestions would be wonderful!
Thanks so much!
Brenda

 

[allen wranch]

I always recommend sand. It drains well and the birds like to dust bathe in it.

The only problem I see with your set-up is the location. If the ground around the coop is on a slope you may have to put in a retaining wall to keep the sand from washing away. You may only need a landscape timber to do the job.