flooring for pen ...

[halfpynt]

We Have a Coop inside a penned in area ,, . The Coop is off the ground, The Pen is about 13x13 . The area used to have pea gravel.... on the ground,, We shoveled most of it out , and are debating what to use aside from the pea gravel that is left , and dirt that is under that ,,

How much hay do you put down,, ?? and Do you put it down shredded up , or put the whole bail of hay in there and let them have at it ??

 

[Mac in Wisco]

I assume you mean straw. Straw is bedding material. Hay is feed. A layer six inches deep is a good start. Just spread it around...

 

[WoodlandWoman]

Sand is also popular for runs.

 

[ChickaChickaBoomBoom]

I think I'm confused

I am planning to use sand in my run, with a layer of hay on top because I thought that I read that straw retains moisture and thus attracts mold. Am I backwards on this? In other words, what's the difference?

-Dave

 

[WoodlandWoman]

You don't need to use any type of litter on top of sand in your run, but you can if you want to. Many people just leave it as dirt or sand. As far as what types of things people have used in their runs, well, I think just about every type there is! Straw, hay, leaves, grass clippings, bark, wood chips, wood shavings, weeds, some things I can't remember and some things I probably haven't heard of, yet.

This probably hasn't helped, but then again, as far as I know, all these chickens were healthy and happy on all these materials.

 

[ChickaChickaBoomBoom]

Thanks WoodlandWoman

I just thought I heard that, because straw is hollow, it retains moisture and thus can mold. Living in the Seattle area, it get's pretty damp, so I thought hay would be better. Just not sure if one is preferred.

In reference to sand in the run (and my apologies if I am taking this off course), I like the idea of sand, but feel like it is "missing something" by not having something on top. All things being equal, I'd prefer to have a dirt/grass bottom to my run, but at only 4'x6', it will become compact and icky quickly, even with only two hens.

These threads are very informative, and if anything, they are reassuring that there is no "right or wrong" for the most part in raising chickens.

-Dave