Chicken Run

[TMCCUSKER]

So, I am a complete newbie to raising chickens. Although I am very excited, I am finding it to be stressful right now. I am so confused about what ground cover I should use in the run. I read mixed reviews on sand vs. straw vs. pine shavings. I, unfortunately, don't have a flat area in the yard, so we used what we had which was a concrete area off the side of the driveway. We had leftover stall mats that we placed the raised coop with attached run. I am loving the ability to hose them off and clean them easily, but feel they will get bored or not have the true chicken experience without a good ground covering. Although the run has a roof, I am finding the rain still comes through and soaks the run. Any advice?

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome! Pictures will be a help here, if you can post a few.
I use shavings with some other plant material, including a small amount of hay or straw. Sand is heavy and seems to work, if at all, in dry climates with very few birds and daily 'poop scooping'. Not for me!
If you can block the prevailing wind and rain, that's a big help. Mine has a solid wall on the north and the coop on the west side, so most weather doesn't blow water into the run area.
Pictures!
Mary

 

[TMCCUSKER]

Welcome! Pictures will be a help here, if you can post a few.
I use shavings with some other plant material, including a small amount of hay or straw. Sand is heavy and seems to work, if at all, in dry climates with very few birds and daily 'poop scooping'. Not for me!
If you can block the prevailing wind and rain, that's a big help. Mine has a solid wall on the north and the coop on the west side, so most weather doesn't blow water into the run area.
Pictures!
Mary

Thanks Mary! I will definitely take some pics tomorrow and post.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Welcome to the forum, glad you joined!

I'll be looking forward to the photos but how many chickens do you have? How big, in feet or meters, is your run? Basically what is the chicken density, how much poop in what area.

Also, where are you located so we have an idea of your weather? If you modify your profile to show your general location that information is always available and it can come in handy for a lot of different reasons.

 

[aart]

As long as your drainage is good....Aged ramial wood chippings are best IMO.
My runs have semi-deep litter(cold composting), never clean anything out, just add smaller dry materials on occasion, add larger wood chippings as needed.

Also, where are you located so we have an idea of your weather? If you modify your profile to show your general location that information is always available and it can come in handy for a lot of different reasons.

Here's how...It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!