Coop vs. Run Bedding

[lrach73]

I am getting ready to switch the bedding in the coop from pine shavings to sand. I am horribly allergic to the pine, so sand seems like a better alternative in the coop. The coop is up off the ground 2 ft and very dry. I will also be using PDZ with the sand.

The run (which isn't completed yet) will be over grass (at least until they eat it all). I've seen soooooo many options, but here are my narrowed down choices:

free mulch/wood chips from city tree service
straw
gravel layer with several inches of sand on top
combination of the above

Initially, the run will not be covered (other than for predator control), although we will eventually add a roof. I expect it will get wet. I live in the midwest and we get very hot summers and very cold winters.

 

[rosemarythyme]

My only concern with the wood chips in your case is, can you get it without any pine mixed in? And is pine the only wood that causes problems for you? Normally I'd say that's my top pick, and then mix it in with dried leaves, grass and garden clippings, etc. but only if it's agreeable with your health.

 

[lrach73]

I'm actually allergic to a lot of things, but think large mulch/wood chips would be okay since it won't be as dusty/prone to flying around. Pine could make up part of the city wood chips, but it's more likely to be common trees like oak, cottonwood, elm, etc... The pine shavings definitely have to go!

Would you do a fairly deep laying of wood mulch/chips and then just add yard waste and let the chickens mix it in? Come fall, there will be an enormous number of leaves!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Yep, let the chickens do the work for you. If you throw stuff in in piles, they'll have it spread out by the end of the day (assuming your run isn't super massive).

As far as the components of the litter, mine changes through the seasons. Spring it's a lot of wood chips, as that's when we get the most rain, and the chips are wonderful for drainage and to keep the smell under control. Summer, there's more yard and garden trimmings and grass clippings. Fall it's dried leaves galore (bag and save as much as you can - I collected somewhere between 7-9 bags of dried leaves this fall, and there's still a couple bags left, enough to get through summer I'm hoping).

Good litter is something built up over time so feel free to just add things little by little and adjust as you go - if it seems to be too chunky (too much chips) add another bag of leaves. Or clear out some weeds and toss those in.

 

[lrach73]

Thank you!! This is really helpful! The thought of filling the run with sand is a little daunting and this sounds like a great alternative.

 

[aart]

The coop is up off the ground 2 ft and very dry. I will also be using PDZ with the sand.

I'm actually allergic to a lot of things, but think large mulch/wood chips would be okay since it won't be as dusty/prone to flying around.

Sand and PDZ can be very dusty.
Do you plan on sifting out poops every day?

How big is your coop(in feet by feet)...and what is your climate??
Adding your location to your profile is easy, then it's always there!

 

[lrach73]

Sand and PDZ can be very dusty.
Do you plan on sifting out poops every day?

How big is your coop(in feet by feet)...and what is your climate??
Adding your location to your profile is easy, then it's always there!
View attachment 1406512

Hi aart, I added my location to my profile. I am in the NE part of Kansas. Very hot and humid today.

The coop is 8 x 4. Yes, I plan to scoop.

 

[bobhoke]

I am getting ready to switch the bedding in the coop from pine shavings to sand. I am horribly allergic to the pine, so sand seems like a better alternative in the coop. The coop is up off the ground 2 ft and very dry. I will also be using PDZ with the sand.

The run (which isn't completed yet) will be over grass (at least until they eat it all). I've seen soooooo many options, but here are my narrowed down choices:

free mulch/wood chips from city tree service
straw
gravel layer with several inches of sand on top
combination of the above

Initially, the run will not be covered (other than for predator control), although we will eventually add a roof. I expect it will get wet. I live in the midwest and we get very hot summers and very cold winters.

We got mulch from the city (Pinehurst NC) one year and it was free and full of debris (garbage). Never again.

 

[GC-Raptor]

I use compressed straw in coop. I remove and replace weekly. That goes into the run and the hens spread it out. . I scatter mixed bird seed over the straw twice a day, keeps them busy searching for the seeds, till I let them out to free range an hour before sunset daily, weather permitting. GC