Gravel or rocks in the chicken run?

[can you hear me now?]

I have some creek gravel in one of our dry creeks and was wondering if it would make a good substitute for straw. Right now it is just dirt and straw. When it rains, if I dont add to it my poor birds end up all muddy. I figure if I out enough gravel in I can even spray it out to keep it clean. Another added bonus is the added grit to their food. Has anyone done this? Will it be hard on their feet? Any feedback would be appreciated.

 

[BWKatz]

Sounds like it might be too big and would be hard on their feet. Sand would be much better, about 4". Hopefully this would give u enough drainage to keep it dry. do a Search for muddy runs. There are a number of good threads with solutions.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=1642-fix-a-muddy-run

see Pat's page if you wish for pointers....

 

[can you hear me now?]

Good, she says sand or gravel, or a mix. This is just what I wanted to hear. Will get shoving tomorrow. Thanks all that replied.

 

[aubreynoramarie]

i would NOT say "poor chickens". mine LOVE getting muddy and dirty and wet. I would not put big rocks because what do chickens do all day? they scratch the ground! how could they do that with giant rocks all over...what would they do all day!? yikes?

lol, i WOULD go with small gravel if those are the only choices...but i wouldnt go with either if all i was worried about was muddy chickens. as far as sand goes, i laid half of my run with sand, the other half i left dirt. my girls will no longer hang out on the sand side

 

[can you hear me now?]

Well the creek bed has both. I will just make sure I use the smaller stuff.

 

[aubreynoramarie]

small stuff sounds awesome