Grass Gone...Need Run Flooring Suggestion

[My Three Chicks]

Hi BYC...Happy Saturday!
Well after 4 months, my 4 girls have nearly eaten and destroyed all the grass in their run. So it's time for me to look at options.
1. Do you think I should just let it be and don't add any flooring? 2. If I were to add, what would you recommend?
You'll see that there's mulch in the plant bed around the inside edge of their run already.
We live in Southern California so rarely get rain and climate is mild in case that influences the decision.
Thank you!

 

[David61]

your AC unit is doomed. it can't take the danner the chickens will kick up. You will have to clean the coils monthly and a water hose is not a friend to your run. move it and use wood chip and leafs on the ground

 

[My Three Chicks]

your AC unit is doomed. it can't take the danner the chickens will kick up. You will have to clean the coils monthly and a water hose is not a friend to your run. move it and use wood chip and leafs on the ground

Yeah unfortunately it's the only area in my yard with shade that's why the run ended up there.
Fortunately because I live in Southern California by the beach we rarely use the AC. In fact didn't use it even once this season.
But noted and thank you for your input.

 

[Aunt Angus]

I suggest pine shavings. The other substrate I've enjoyed is pelletized horse bedding. I use it primarily to make a soft floor for my ducks, but it works well for my chickens, too. The trick it that I slice open the bag, leave the pellets in there, add about 2 gallons of water, and reduce it to sawdust.

 

[David61]

If you don't use it, COVER it a once. I know outside AC units. The condenser coils need to be free of debris. A bbq grill cover will serve you well here.

 

[My Three Chicks]

If you don't use it, COVER it a once. I know outside AC units. The condenser coils need to be free of debris. A bbq grill cover will serve you well here.

Got it. Great idea! I'll get one today.

 

[3KillerBs]

Your run will need litter -- some kind of dry, organic material.

I like a mix of materials and textures -- wood chips, wood shavings, straw, pine straw, fall leaves, dried grass clippings, etc.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Since you're in So Cal you may get away with just dirt, as long as it stays dry even during rains in that spot. Otherwise more untreated mulch, wood chips, and a mix of whatever you pull from your garden (untreated grass clippings, weeds, etc) should be fine, though you won't get as much of a composting effect due to the lack of moisture.

 

[My Three Chicks]

I suggest pine shavings. The other substrate I've enjoyed is pelletized horse bedding. I use it primarily to make a soft floor for my ducks, but it works well for my chickens, too. The trick it that I slice open the bag, leave the pellets in there, add about 2 gallons of water, and reduce it to sawdust.

I've never looked into pellet bedding. Will the chickens think it's feed? Mime eat pellet feed.

 

[My Three Chicks]

Hi. Thank you for all the input. I've put down a layer of wood chips (and have covered the AC unit)! I have a bunch more wood chips so will add another layer or 2 over the weekend. And raise their feeder and waterer and add an edger!