Comfortable flooring options for pen

[BelovedBirds]

I've tried dirt, I've tried wood shavings, I've tried straw.... but everything eventually turns to a muddy mucky mess! Plus the wasted money from replacing bedding so often. Even with the pen covered, it gets wet and muddy in no time.
I've heard of sand, gravel, patio slabs around the pond etc etc. I haven't tried these options but have a few concerns I want to talk out before picking my method.

Gravel- rough on feet and is it safe for them to consume? If the pieces are small enough I assume so, but I have a likely over worry/paranoia about them eating larger bits and causing an impaction.
Am I overthinking, and will I be okay to get cover it with a layer of pine shavings for now, to protect their feet?

Sand- dusty when dry, perhaps delicious when wet? Concerned about respiratory issues/impaction risk. Mixed with soil would that be okay?

Patio slabs, just a few around the pool so they aren't bringing the pine shavings/dirt and whatever else into the pond- I assume their feet will be okay? Or is there a better option?

Open to experience and thoughts

 

[casportpony]

I used horse stall mats on top of base rock. On top of that I use straw, shavings, or pine pellets.

 

[casportpony]

Do you think shavings would be okay directly over the gravel? That should prevent them walking on rough ground right?

It will mix in with the gravel and be hard to clean.

 

[casportpony]

Can you post pictures of the pen?

 

[JacinLarkwell]

What about some concrete pavers for a portion at least? That way they can get onto them and off the mud?

 

[Canadian Wind]

I've given up on not having everything mucky and muddy. I think if it's just for the outside, pavers might be a good choice because you can hose them off. But they still drag bedding out of the coops.

 

[Jenbirdee]

I've tried dirt, I've tried wood shavings, I've tried straw.... but everything eventually turns to a muddy mucky mess! Plus the wasted money from replacing bedding so often. Even with the pen covered, it gets wet and muddy in no time.
I've heard of sand, gravel, patio slabs around the pond etc etc. I haven't tried these options but have a few concerns I want to talk out before picking my method.

Gravel- rough on feet and is it safe for them to consume? If the pieces are small enough I assume so, but I have a likely over worry/paranoia about them eating larger bits and causing an impaction.
Am I overthinking, and will I be okay to get cover it with a layer of pine shavings for now, to protect their feet?

Sand- dusty when dry, perhaps delicious when wet? Concerned about respiratory issues/impaction risk. Mixed with soil would that be okay?

Patio slabs, just a few around the pool so they aren't bringing the pine shavings/dirt and whatever else into the pond- I assume their feet will be okay? Or is there a better option?

Open to experience and thoughts

I actually use ALL of those things. Pavers in some areas and to make pathways. Gravel & sand anywhere it gets too muddy/puddles. And pine shavings, plus straw also, inside their house, which has a wood floor thats been painted with extreme weather beater exterior paint. (I alternate daily which to add on top after spot cleaning)
when its icy snowy out I toss some straw around but it has to be raked up after a week or so before it stinks. Just today I picked up 6 new bags of gravel and 4 bags of sand.
OH I almost forgot I also use these outdoor rugs in some areas ! hang on Ill get the link brb

here it is they are made from recycled plastic bottles! Theyre wonderful!
https://www.lowes.com/pd/EcoRug-Gre...Common-6-x-8-Actual-6-ft-W-x-8-ft-L/999992360

 

[Jenbirdee]

Oh by the way the gravel is fine they do sometimes try to eat bigger bits but in 8 years nobody has ever had a problem from it. and I have had zero bumblefoot Thanks God

 

[Jenbirdee]

Do you think shavings would be okay directly over the gravel? That should prevent them walking on rough

It will mix in with the gravel and be hard to clean.

exactly. don’t put shavings on top of gravel. I use gravel, mixed with sand in many areas . I use the Eco rugs in other areas. I think casportpony uses a solid base of rock - like paver stones first then the horse stall pad, then the bedding on top of that.

 

[BelovedBirds]

Well! A while later but the pen is almost finished. Some wire left to do, and the pond... some things to tidy up. But mostly there
The girls spent their first night in their new coop... honestly it's more of a house. Or shed. Bit of a mansion...
They seemed to like it!

It's definitely much more weather proof and significantly more predator proof. The goal is to be completely rodent proof by the end of the upgrade. And mud proof!
I'll have photos of the completed pen to post very soon.