floor of covered run.

[rjohns39]

Hi and welcome to BYC We're so happy you've decided to join us

 

[chickykids]

I have a run with a solid roof. I have never removed material from the run and it's been in use for over 2 years with up to 30 birds. I just rake it flat every couple of months and add material once a year.
With sand, you have to scoop it. Sand does not decompose. And sand adds another source of dust in an already incredibly dusty environment.
The wood chips slowly decompose and the chickens love digging around in it. They make wells and dust bathe in it.
View attachment 2693871
Granted, my birds don't spent all their time in there as they have a 1/3 acre pen they use most of the year. But even though they can dust bathe outside and do, I always find craters in the run from them using that space. I think they feel safer bathing under the roof.

Thank you so much for this fantastic reply and picture. I'm sorry for the delayed response. This was so helpful. I think that I have followed most of this. My wood chips are a bit bigger but they have been in the run during the days and they love scratching around in it for bugs.

 

[TwoCrows]

Thank you so much for this fantastic reply and picture. I'm sorry for the delayed response. This was so helpful. I think that I have followed most of this. My wood chips are a bit bigger but they have been in the run during the days and they love scratching around in it for bugs.

Wood chips are the only type of litter I ever use anymore. Tried and hated everything else.

Very nice photo!