Coop litter as run bedding?

[SlatyGapSis]

I try to remove some of the poo in my coop every few days and replace the pine chips in my coop every 1-2 weeks as needed. Can I just toss this used bedding into the run to give the girls something other than dirt to walk on and let it continue to compost down? We've had the rainiest October on record and I sure need to put something down so they aren't walking on mud until the sun comes out again.

I mean really, half of it ends up out there anyway.

 

[ChocolateMouse]

Sure, though it might be good to have some extra carbon in the run to help keep parasite loads lower. Wet mud with poop mixed in is a breeding ground for instestinal ickies. It would probably be fine if you put down a deep bedding though. I use wood chips in mine delivered by tree companies for free from my area.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I always dump my used coop litter (wood chips) into the run as wood chips are the backbone of my run, with dried leaves, grass, garden trimmings mixed in.

Mud is definitely not pleasant for the chickens or for people. Look into deep litter to help manage your run, took me from having mud puddles thick enough to get boots stuck in to having a pleasant and relatively dry surface to walk on even after heavy rainfall.

 

[trumpeting_angel]

I will speak up for free wood chips, too. It’s good to have them aged or better, composted, to prevent toxic mold. Yard leaves are a very big treat for the chickens. Pile them in. It’s good to have a variety of textures including non-splintery sticks, pine cones, grass clippings, garden trimmings, corn stalks, etc.

Mud is not good. Risking foot problems, worms (intestinal, not earth), and more on mud with poop. And by all means, add your pine shavings or whatever you’re using in the coop.

I don’t, personally, because when I look at the run I always feel it has enough poop!

 

[CatWhisperer]

If your run isn’t covered you may want to consider that to keep the mud under control.

 

[chickens really]

My Run is covered and I use sand outside. Pine shavings only in my Coop.

 

[SlatyGapSis]

Sure, though it might be good to have some extra carbon in the run to help keep parasite loads lower. Wet mud with poop mixed in is a breeding ground for instestinal ickies. It would probably be fine if you put down a deep bedding though. I use wood chips in mine delivered by tree companies for free from my area.

Thank you! I discovered yesterday that my city sells wood chips very cheaply just around the corner from my office. So...I drove the truck today in order to get a load over lunch!

 

[SlatyGapSis]

If your run isn’t covered you may want to consider that to keep the mud under control.

Agreed! I'm a first time chicken mama and we just built a new house so the permanent coop and run have to wait until spring. The new run will be mostly covered, so in the meantime I'm doing what I can to keep them comfortable. The existing run has a couple of tarps spread over half of it, but I do realize that is a poor substitute.
I am open to any friendly suggestions and advice!

 

[Henry&Friends]

I rake out my coop bedding into the run, so when I let them out in the morning I slip and fall into muddy straw instead of slipping and falling into mud

 

[ChocolateMouse]

If you can, put down about 1' of wood chips thru the whole pen. It will not only help with your run drainage but breed actual bugs and worms your chickens would love to eat.