Coop floor substrate and nest bedding

[Cmp211]

Do you add more shavings periodically? Or just start out with a really think layer ?

Also, they’re going in and out of the coop often, should I shut the coop door during the day?

 

[Toothpick]

Do you add more shavings periodically? Or just start out with a really think layer ?

I think this last time I used just 1 bag of shavings. I don't add any.

 

[mom1776]

I'm starting a new run 10x20 and have 7 chickens and was going to use sand. However when I went to Tractor Supply today the man recommended straw. Said the sand would encourage fleas in our hot South Carolina area. I'm seeing some for sand, some for shavings and now straw. I want to make a good choice so really would appreciate feedback on those who have tried these various methods.

 

[TOMTE]

I'm starting a new run 10x20 and have 7 chickens and was going to use sand. However when I went to Tractor Supply today the man recommended straw. Said the sand would encourage fleas in our hot South Carolina area. I'm seeing some for sand, some for shavings and now straw. I want to make a good choice so really would appreciate feedback on those who have tried these various methods.

Is the run covered or open?

 

[mom1776]

It will have a tarp over back third of entire area. Any good advice. I'm older and need something that will be easier for me to maintain alone.

 

[TOMTE]

It will have a tarp over back third of entire area. Any good advice. I'm older and need something that will be easier for me to maintain alone.

A lot of people like straw for their runs. I think there can be issues with mold when there's moisture in the straw but if the chickens churn it around enough then mold growth might not be a problem... But I'm not sure because I've never used it. The ground of my run is just dirt and in fall and winter when the girls are locked in (I let them range all day in the warm months) I add leaf litter so they have something to rummage around in, plus it adds a little insulation to the ground.

 

[mom1776]

Oh gosh Tomte you have made my day. My budget is very limited but I have a HUGE amount of oak leaves that fall from neighbors 150 yr old oak tree. They rummage through it now and how could I never have thought that would make a good ground cover. Thank you thank you for taking the time to answer. You have helped me a great deal.

 

[Mother of Chaos]

It will have a tarp over back third of entire area. Any good advice. I'm older and need something that will be easier for me to maintain alone.

I'm 70, and I use deep litter method. Built it initially with some bags of wood chips, pine straw, and I think some hardwood mulch, and added some dead leaves we had on hand. There are some pine flakes in there from when I clean the coop. It's heaven for little critters that the chickens hunt and eat.
I do 0 maintenance. Nature and the chickens do it all. Since you'll have a tarp cover, spray it with a hose occasionally to allow composting to occur. I scatter a few handfuls of their dry feed over the litter a few times a week (with them seeing me do it!), and they turn the litter while digging for the feed. Gravity, decomposition, and chicken digging magically cause poop to sink below the surface.

I chose this method not only for ease, but primarily because it imitates a forest floor, where decomposition of fallen organic matter creates soil. I try to imitate natural conditions as far as possible in a city backyard.

 

[TOMTE]

Oh gosh Tomte you have made my day. My budget is very limited but I have a HUGE amount of oak leaves that fall from neighbors 150 yr old oak tree. They rummage through it now and how could I never have thought that would make a good ground cover. Thank you thank you for taking the time to answer. You have helped me a great deal.

I'm glad I could help! Just be aware that chickens shut inside the run will absolutely tear through the leaf litter and break it down quickly. It helps to stockpile a bunch of leaves in advance so you're not having to rake and collect them once a week or so. A thick layer (4-6 inches) will be shredded and start to decompose within a couple weeks, if your chooks are serious about scratching and foraging in them. I seriously can't tell you just how quickly they break down with active chickens, it can be frustrating but the same goes for any bedding/litter. So if you already have leaf litter available, why waste money on storebought?

 

[mom1776]

This is perfect. I had been free ranging them but after destroying my vegetable gardens that I worked all spring on and pooping all over my backdoor porch I decided to coop them. Two of my dogs got sick from eating "you know what" and cost me $412 at vet. Things had to change but I do enjoy them so much. Found out one of 7 is a rooster...named him Eisenhower.....thought you'd get a kick out of that. Again thank you for helping me.