Ground cover that will last?

[sbelmont2]

We recently built a new chicken run and had to add dirt to make it level. I am wondering if there is a ground cover we can add that the chickens won't eat and that is hardy enough to withstand their poop and scratching. It also needs to thrive in dry climates (we live in Colorado).

 

[DobieLover]

We recently built a new chicken run and had to add dirt to make it level. I am wondering if there is a ground cover we can add that the chickens won't eat and that is hardy enough to withstand their poop and scratching. It also needs to thrive in dry climates (we live in Colorado).

I don't believe such a plant exists. You are best off putting in wood chips, dry leaves or whatever else dry organic matter you have handy.

 

[aart]

Gravel. lol

Nooooooooo!

 

[Sally PB]

I've come to the conclusion that chickens will scratch up ANYTHING. If it is alive and growing, it won't be for long. Pecking, scratching, pooping high nitrogen poop takes care of whatever is there. I've accepted that.

Chickens peck, scratch, and poop. It's what they do. Geico needs to make a commercial out of this!

 

[Alaskan]

Try a grow frame.

That way you can have a bit of green 8n the run.

 

[DaisyG2317]

We recently built a new chicken run and had to add dirt to make it level. I am wondering if there is a ground cover we can add that the chickens won't eat and that is hardy enough to withstand their poop and scratching. It also needs to thrive in dry climates (we live in Colorado).

Arborist chips are great and free from ChipDrop or local tree companies.

 

[KarynVA]

It sure would be nice if such a ground cover existed. Maybe some day ...

 

[21hens-incharge]

I am also in Colorado.

I add leaves, grass clippings, spent garden plants (not potato, onions or tomato), flakes of alfalfa, weeds I pull, and chipped wood if I can get it. The chickens keep it turned well.

As to keeping things growing in the run.....yeah not likely unless in a frame with a bottom so the soil is not destroyed by the extreme nitrogen etc in chicken poop.

 

[Stablecoop]

Hahah we need to selectively breed the one plant of Dutch white clover that the chickens inevitably leave behind in every run. There’s always one tiny piece that the chickens never get to. Just one though.

 

[speedy2020]

Gravel. lol

Don't put gravel! It will plug up and sting down the road.