ground covering

[bmbi328]

We are new to raising backyard chickens. We are unsure what to put on the ground in the chicken run for the chickens. There will be grass in the run, should we cover it with dirt then with mulch? Any ideas will help.

 

[scratch'n'peck]

You will soon see how much chickens love, love, LOVE to scratch the ground. They will scratch and peck that grass up soon, and they will really enjoy the process. That said, one of the most important things to consider in the run is good drainage. That is why many people recommend sand or pea gravel in the run.

 

[bmbi328]

Should we put gravel in before they scratch up the grass or after? Can we still put mulch down over the gravel to attract bugs for them?

 

[SobbaChickens]

Should we put gravel in before they scratch up the grass or after? Can we still put mulch down over the gravel to attract bugs for them?

I'd let them have fun in the grass and then cover it up once they have destroyed what is there.

Katie

 

[cafarmgirl]

Oh absolutely let them have the grass until it's gone! They will really enjoy that. After it's gone I'd put down a bed of sand. Excellent drainage and easy to keep clean.

 

[forthecluckofit]

What type of sand? We have used just a few bags of general purpose sand that we got at Lowes. How thick shoud the sand be? And how on earth do you clean it!?!?! Rake? Scoop?