gravel in coop

[shodack]

I haven't even gotten my chicks, so I'm sort of jumping the gun here, but I want to make sure I'm well prepared. The area where the coop will be used to be a dog pen (we just moved into the house two months ago). Currently there is rubber matting on the ground, which will come up. Underneath it is gravel, and I'm wondering if that will be okay for the chickens. They wont try to eat it and choke, will they? Thanks!

 

[21hens-incharge]

In my opinion a lot will depend on the gravel. Chickens need to scratch the ground a lot and the gravel is not as easy to make a dust bathing hole as nice soft dirt would be.
As to choking on it I really do not know if they would or if it is small enough that they would use it for grit.
Can you post a pic so folks can get an idea of the rock type?

 

[shodack]

I can post a picture tomorrow! It's pea sized and smaller, for the most part.

 

[21hens-incharge]

I am rather leery of the thought of leaving it in the run. Others may have more thoughts on it but for the happiness of the chicks I would remove it.
They will be needing to scratch around and I don't see the gravel as being much good for that or for dust bathing.
I am sure whoever put it there did so for drainage for the dogs. There may be bacteria and other grossness in it still.
You could reuse it in a border for the coop or perhaps along the driveway.

How deep is the gravel? 2 inches? 6 inches?

How about tilling it in the existing soil if it is not to deep?

 

[PapaChaz]

I'd leave it, but put 4 or 5 inches of wood chips, leaves etc etc in on top of it. There have been a couple of threads on here the last few days/weeks with great discussion on the deep litter method and cold composting. I dont' see a problem leaving the gravel though, in might have been put there to aid drainage

 

[shodack]

I don't think it's thick at all, actually. I only took a quick look at it today, will get a better look when I get out to do some yard work this weekend. I should be able to rake it off to the edge of the pen. I hope!

 

[PapaChaz]

I don't think it's thick at all, actually. I only took a quick look at it today, will get a better look when I get out to do some yard work this weekend. I should be able to rake it off to the edge of the pen. I hope!

that would be fine. One thing, if they pick it up and it's not food, and not small enough grit to swallow, they'll drop it and move to the next piece, they don't waste a lot of time and effort on something they can't eat, pick up and run with or poop on.......

 

[21hens-incharge]

Especially the poop on part

Quote:

 

[shodack]

Thanks both!

 

[lisaburris1968]

Haahaaaaa. Thats so true. I have watched mine do exactly that to a tee. Must say, turning out to be a bit smarter than I gave them credit for, but always looking out for their best intrest.