Eglu run bedding options?

[aart]

or will we just end up destroying patches of grass all over the yard in the process.

Very possible.

Personally I'd consider doing a permanent run somewhere, with the tractor as an occasional option if you want them to have some time on the grass but not leave them completely loose either.

This^^^ is a viable option.

 

[Tdoten]

@aart could I just do that with the run we have now and leave it stationary instead of moving it? If so what is a good option to keep in the bottom so it’s sanitary - if we don’t do anything it’ll get pretty gross won’t it?

 

[wyoDreamer]

I put leaves and grass clippings in my run - the girls love to scratch through it and pick out tidbits. It will turn into compost.

 

[trumpeting_angel]

I use wood chips in my run, mixed with pine cones, sticks, some grass clippings and weeds, garden cleanup (e.g., old broccoli plants, corn stalks), and occasional coop bedding, though I have other places for that.

The idea is it composts all winter and can be dumped on the garden in spring. I hope so!

It is considerably less delightful in the rain, but the covered part of our run stays dry and fairly pleasant.

 

[Willowspirit]

Because we have horses I use waste hay in the runs and coops. It’s deep so it takes awhile before it seems gross. Then I throw more on top. The best thing is that I can throw it in a pile and the chickens scratch around and spread it. They love new hay.

One warning is that they can get mites from hay so you have to keep an eye on them. My chickens haven’t got anything but my guinea pig did once.

Also it’s best to use orchard grass or grass hay. I keep seeing mixed opinions about alfalfa.

 

[rosemarythyme]

could I just do that with the run we have now and leave it stationary instead of moving it? If so what is a good option to keep in the bottom so it’s sanitary - if we don’t do anything it’ll get pretty gross won’t it?

The only reason I suggested keeping the tractor a tractor and adding a run is simply the run space you have is too small, especially as a stationary unit (the movement of a tractor allows a bit more fudging as it opens up opportunity to explore and forage). You have 5 large fowl, and 36 sq ft - the minimum recommended on here is generally 10 sq ft per bird (50 sq ft in your case) and I always suggest going for more than minimum if at all possible, as it helps alleviate a lot of behavioral problems plus makes for easier clean up, a healthier environment, etc.

 

[trumpeting_angel]

As a novice chicken mom I will add, the minimum seemed way too small once they were in the coop and run, and the building of additions started almost immediately. They were still growing!

 

[Ted_Harrell]

How often would you suggest it be moved?

Every two - three days...

 

[Ted_Harrell]

@aart could I just do that with the run we have now and leave it stationary instead of moving it? If so what is a good option to keep in the bottom so it’s sanitary - if we don’t do anything it’ll get pretty gross won’t it?

Maybe some river sand..

 

[aart]

The only reason I suggested keeping the tractor a tractor and adding a run is simply the run space you have is too small, especially as a stationary unit (the movement of a tractor allows a bit more fudging as it opens up opportunity to explore and forage). You have 5 large fowl, and 36 sq ft - the minimum recommended on here is generally 10 sq ft per bird (50 sq ft in your case) and I always suggest going for more than minimum if at all possible, as it helps alleviate a lot of behavioral problems plus makes for easier clean up, a healthier environment, etc.

This^^^is important and good advice.

@aart could I just do that with the run we have now and leave it stationary instead of moving it? If so what is a good option to keep in the bottom so it’s sanitary - if we don’t do anything it’ll get pretty gross won’t it?

My runs have semi-deep litter(cold composting), never clean anything out, just add smaller dry materials on occasion, add larger wood chippings as needed.
Aged ramial wood chippings are best IMO.