"Crushed Concrete" in run?

[DreamingOfAFarm]

Has anyone used crushed concrete in their run? This is recycled concrete crushed down to 1" or smaller pieces. It's only $14 for a cubic yard-seems like a pretty good deal and I like the fact that it's recycled; just don't know if it's a good idea.

Hoping to gain some wisdom from you long-time chicken raisers. I've only had mine since July so I'm still learning!!!

 

[cafarmgirl]

It seems like you would have a very hard time cleaning it since the poop is just going to mix in with the pieces of concrete and I wouldn't think you'll be able to rake it very well.

 

[patandchickens]

I don't see that it'd be any different than coarse gravel in that regard. To a considerable extent the poo just disappears, unless you have a very high chicken load and/or a perpetually damp climate.

I would worry a little bit about making sure it wasn't real *sharp* pieces, though. Also it would be best if it is mixed with sand or at least has a lot of fine crushed-concrete amongst it, so it is not all walnut-sized 'rocks' or anything like that.

Also make sure it is GUARANTEED to be free of any metal debris. Not all recycled concrete is.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[StupidBird]

What about concrete that has fly ash as a filler?

 

[ksct]

I AGREE THAT THE PIECES ARE PROBABLY GOING TO BE TOO SHARP. 1" PIECES ARE PRETTY LARGE. i KNOW SOME BYC MEMBERS HAVE FOUND CONCRETE COMPANYS ETC THAT SELL SAND QUITE CHEAP. i KONW WE CAN GET A BUCKET (LIKE A BACKHOE TYPE BUCKET) FOR $25. WE WILL BE GETTING THAT, HOPEFULLY BEFORE WE GET SNOW THAT LASTS MORE THAN 12 HOURS (LAST WEEK WE HAD 20 DEGREE WEATHER, TODAY, IT'S 70)
I WOULD RECOMMED SAND. WE DO USE IT CURRENTLY IN SMALL AMOUNTS AND IT'S GREAT! MUCH LESS OF A HASSLE THAN THE MUD. I LOOK FORWARD TO GETTING ENOUGH TO NOT HAVE TO USE STRAW ETC AS WELL. THAT'S AWFUL TO MUCK OUT OF THERE COVERED IN SAND AND MUD.
IN MY OPINION, I'D CHECK AROUND AND SEE WHAT KIND OF SAND YOU CAN GET AND FROM WHERE. I KNOW A BYC MEMBER USED 2 PICK UP TRUCKS WITH TARPS DOWN AS TO NOT GET THE SAND EVERYWHERE, HE GOT HIS FOR CHEAP. MIGHT BE A LITTLE MORE IF YOU HAVE IT DELIVERED BUT AS LONG AS IT'S 3+ INCHES DEEP, YOU'LL FAIR BETTER IN THE LONG RUN.

PLUS SMALLER SAND ETC IS GREAT BECAUSE YOU MAY NOT EVEN HAVE TO GET THE BIRDS ANY GRIT. THEY'LL EAT THE SAND AS WELL AS SCRATCH IN IT AND TAKE DUST BATHS. MULTI PURPOSE

 

[RendonRoo]

I would be afraid of concrete products. They have many additives(chemicals). I have to break up concrete quite often for my job and if i breath too much of the dust i have an allergic reaction. I had to go to the Dr. one time from one of the additives. With chickens respiratory problems it could certinately pose a problem. I would stick with the sand.

 

[chookchick]

Gonna have to agree with Rendon Roo. Broken concrete could be very alkaline and hard on their feet. It could also have pieces of wire etc.. used for reinforcement. Some concrete has fiber additives. Get yourself some nice clean sand or woodchip to put down.

 

[DreamingOfAFarm]

Thanks all for the feedback. DH is going backpacking this weekend so if the weather holds I'm going to try to get the girls' run done. It'll be an adventure!