Dirt versus Straw

[Buffman]

Is it better to have a dirt floor or straw floor in your chicken run? I have the run covered so it doesn't get wet. It seems the chickens prefer the dirt over the straw as I have tried it both ways. What has been anyone else experience.

 

[Poultryboy15]

straw it is healty and unlike dirt when they play or panic it wont make dust that could hurt the chickens.

 

[CAjerseychick]

Is it better to have a dirt floor or straw floor in your chicken run? I have the run covered so it doesn't get wet. It seems the chickens prefer the dirt over the straw as I have tried it both ways. What has been anyone else experience.

When the dirt/grass run gets too poopy I lay down some straw over it -- it dries up the poop and is a protective(clean) barrier for the chickens-- they scratch down through it to make a little hollow for their dust baths-- the best of both worlds I think-- also I leave the run door open most days so they can free range-- it has their feed and waterer inside....

 

[Erin~TheChickenLover]

It depends on the time of year. In the summer, I have bare dirt or grass clippings. In early fall, I have leaves. And in winter and early spring I have straw.

 

[CurtisHelde]

Straw By Far or Hay but preferably straw but you can use dirt or whatever you want AND WELCOME TO BYC!!!

 

[ellandeeranch]

I'm in the same boat out here in the desert. Lots of dirt, not so much greens. I'm sure a newb around here, and will be putting pine in the coop, but the hens will have our sandy dirt in the run. We have a small lawn that I'll put the tractor on once I get the big coop/run finished.