Gravel or mulch in chicken access yard??

[Krospos15]

My coop and run are located in a fenced side yard and I am trying to pick a substrate for the yard, either 1/4 minus gravel (my preference) or playground mulch. The run is a deep litter mulch and this side yard is a bonus area that they'd often have roaming access to.

The yard also houses my garden beds in summer and currently has weed cloth only. I want the area to look nice but I also have to consider the chickens roaming in their section on this substrate. Is chicken poop on this type of gravel a nightmare in looks and smell? Would chicken poop break down the same with mulch or gravel? Or is there something about gravel that makes it smell bad? I'm in the Oregon high desert where it's dry with little rain or snow. I'd LOVE experience or input!

 

[DobieLover]

Is chicken poop on this type of gravel a nightmare in looks and smell?

You'll never get it out

Would chicken poop break down the same with mulch or gravel?

The poop will cold compost in mulch. It will very slowly breakdown in gravel. Whenever it does get wet on gravel, it will stink.

And the chickens will scratch up whatever you put down. The mulch will be easier to rake back in place.

 

[thecatumbrella]

Gravel looks nice, but I’d be concerned about it causing bumblefoot on the chickens. Mulch is easier to replace and poop scoop, if needed.

 

[Folly's place]

Gravel or sand will not be nice with chicken poo all over and through it, and can't really be hosed off or cleaned. Wood chips or shavings with chicken manure will turn into garden wonderfulness! Rake it sometimes, or compost it, and the birds will enjoy digging for worms and will be a much better substrate for them.
Mary

 

[rosemarythyme]

Chickens will dig through to the weed cloth so that's something to consider as well - either needs to be buried under a lot of mulch or you're going to need to constantly check it to make sure they're not getting at it.

Poop breaks down differently in mulch vs gravel, which is why there can be an odor issue with gravel. The mulch breaks down along with poop so its composting vs just rotting between gravel pieces. Gravel can also be harder on their feet.