Did I waste my money?

[Parront]

I have seen peat moss sold around here, what exactly is it (what consistency: shavings, mulch). No pine needs sold yet that I have seen.

Peat moss is fine textured like potting soil, you do need some bigger things in with it, but it absorbs water like a sponge and holds it. People buy it to top dress their lawns when they re-seed the grass. A good soil amendment, I want it for my garden, chicken poop included. Here you can get a 3.3 cu. ft. bale at Home Depot for ~$12.50.

 

[Vicker]

I would not remove the cedar. It's not going to last long before you need to add to it. Just use something different next time if you're concerned. As for plants inside a run, my chickens would dig them up in no time. They're tireless little excavators.

 

[Mybackyardpeepers]

I don’t know about harm from outdoor usage of cedar. My thought would be it might drive away bugs they might otherwise eat. In the future you might consider calling a local tree service and have them dump a load of wood chips when in your area. They are glad to get rid of them and should be free. My chickens loved going through it in their run and the pile.

I never thought of calling any, thought they would charge for the chips. Have to give this a shot. Thanks.

 

[Mybackyardpeepers]

Peat moss is fine textured like potting soil, you do need some bigger things in with it, but it absorbs water like a sponge and holds it. People buy it to top dress their lawns when they re-seed the grass. A good soil amendment, I want it for my garden, chicken poop included. Here you can get a 3.3 cu. ft. bale at Home Depot for ~$12.50.

Ok I want something water will drain through, so when the kids are out playing with them their shoes stay a tad cleaner.

 

[Mybackyardpeepers]

When you aren't totally tired of google, you tube or pinterest - check out permaculture sites, food forests, edible lawns, edible forest and foods for chickens. You can hang planters off your run, too - and keep herbs in them that are great for chickens. I've just started with herbs this year and am getting ready to put a bunch of mint in some of the chicken pens.

I found out last night that the Kentucky colonel mint is NOT one that I will drink in tea... Spearmint is awesome though!

I am trying a chicken safe seed assortment in the uncovered section.

 

[Kiki]

I am trying a chicken safe seed assortment in the uncovered section.

I don't think this will work. The chickens will tear it up before it has time to grow.

 

[Parront]

Ok I want something water will drain through, so when the kids are out playing with them their shoes stay a tad cleaner.

It does not stick to your feet like mud does. But, it holds the water to release it slowly to plants, unlike my dirt around here, which is mostly decomposed granite. Water just sits in puddles, or runs off making gullies. Dry the next day. Problem is it compacts and then you get those stagnant puddles where flies & mosquitoes like to breed. Like KIKI said, lots of variety is good. Chickens do like to dust bathe in the peat when its dry.

 

[Folly's place]

Nothing will keep shoes clean in the run or coop! Chicken poo sticks to everything!
Mary

 

[Parront]

Nothing will keep shoes clean in the run or coop! Chicken poo sticks to everything!
Mary

SOOOO True! Separate shoes for the chicken run is the only answer I have found. Crocks anyone?

 

[Folly's place]

We have 'barn shoes' and 'barn boots', and that's the only way to manage. They stay in by the door, or in the mudroom (if you have one) and go nowhere else.
Mary