Floor of run

[DuckDodgers]

So I will be ordering 3 chickens in April 1 Welsummer rooster and 2 hens with him. First off how much space in their run do they need ( i.e. Sq-ft per bird)? Second their run will have a roof on it so they can go out in the rain, since I have heard chickens don't like to get wet. So my second question is, what is a good material to use as the floor of their run? I am looking for something that does not have to be cleaned very often and is inexpensive that is fun for them to dig around in. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[jetdog]

10 sf per bird is the recommended space, and sand for the run, I used a boarder of 2x6's with weed fabric and wire so the sand is about 5 inches deep, they love to dust bath and easy clean up with a cat litter scoop and a rake.

 

[DuckDodgers]

10 sf per bird is the recommended space, and sand for the run, I used a boarder of 2x6's with weed fabric and wire so the sand is about 5 inches deep, they love to dust bath and easy clean up with a cat litter scoop and a rake.

Do you ever have to change the sand or just scoop the top and then rake it? Also do they use the sand as a dust bath or do they use something else?
Thanks for your response!
DuckDodgers

 

[jetdog]

I have had it for a year now and have never changed it out just use the cat litter scoop and then I rake it around to get the scratched in poop out, they use the sand to dust no need for anything else, I put landscape fabric down to keep the ground from eating up the sand over time and then I put welded wire on top of the fabric to prevent anything digging in.

 

[DuckDodgers]

I have had it for a year now and have never changed it out just use the cat litter scoop and then I rake it around to get the scratched in poop out, they use the sand to dust no need for anything else, I put landscape fabric down to keep the ground from eating up the sand over time and then I put welded wire on top of the fabric to prevent anything digging in.

Great thanks I will most likely do that.