Coop ground cover

[Lbean523]

My babies are about 6 weeks old. We are really close to putting them in the run/coop. Right now the run is grass covered.. should I put sand down first, or let them enjoy the grass and add sand later?

 

[Wee Farmer Sarah]

Don't use sand. Just put in pine shavingsin there. Your chickens will compost them along with their poo. Sand is not absorbant. Pine shavings will biodegrade and keep your run clean.

 

[DobieLover]

Where are you located?
How well does your run area drain?
Do you have a solid roof over your run?
All of these things make a difference as to what type of run litter you could use. I'm in the Northeast where we get cold snowy winters so my run is covered with a solid roof. I use free wood chips that I get from local Highway departments.
I've never used sand in my run. I prefer the cold compost method with the wood chips. I never remove anything I only add fresh wood chips as needed. Which so far has only been one truckload annually.
I would personally let them decimate the grass before putting the litter in. But don't wait too long as it will get mucky and stinky pretty quick.

 

[Lbean523]

Where are you located?
How well does your run area drain?
Do you have a solid roof over your run?
All of these things make a difference as to what type of run litter you could use. I'm in the Northeast where we get cold snowy winters so my run is covered with a solid roof. I use free wood chips that I get from local Highway departments.
I've never used sand in my run. I prefer the cold compost method with the wood chips. I never remove anything I only add fresh wood chips as needed. Which so far has only been one truckload annually.
I would personally let them decimate the grass before putting the litter in. But don't wait too long as it will get mucky and stinky pretty quick.

I’m in Kentucky.. run has wire cover.

 

[Gooseface]

I’m also in NY like Dobie, but I HAVE sand in my run. I like it because poop dries out instantly and is easy to scoop. Almost like cat litter. I personally don’t want it all breaking down in the run....even with wood chips covering it. It’s personal preference really. You would get a different answer from almost everyone you ask.

 

[3KillerBs]

I vote to let them enjoy destroying the grass before you put in any kind of run bedding.

I'm a deep litter aficionado because I think that the intensive management that other methods require is too much work -- especially when I think of having to scoop poop in daily in the full heat/humidity of my blistering summers (Friday will be a cool day after a week of blistering heat -- it will "only" be about 88), or in a time of prolonged rain.

 

[aart]

I’m also in NY like Dobie, but I HAVE sand in my run. I like it because poop dries out instantly and is easy to scoop. Almost like cat litter. I personally don’t want it all breaking down in the run....even with wood chips covering it. It’s personal preference really. You would get a different answer from almost everyone you ask.

Have you been thru a winter yet?
Would love to see your coop....got a coop page?

 

[aart]

I’m in Kentucky.. run has wire cover.

Am also a wood chips fan...and have a wire run roof.





Welcome to BYC! @Lbean523
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[Gooseface]

Have you been thru a winter yet?
Would love to see your coop....got a coop page?

You love to look at everyone’s coop and criticize. I’m good with my coop. Thanks.

 

[aart]

You love to look at everyone’s coop and criticize. I’m good with my coop. Thanks.

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