Ground for chicken coop

[ACGM]

Hello everyone,

I am about to start building my flock a new coop and need some help deciding what to put in their run for the ground. They are completely free range but if I ever have to stay somewhere overnight or sleep in a little longer, they would be locked in their coop with a run to stretch their legs. I’m hesitant about using grass because they are going to tear into it and make it really muddy when it rains. I’m wondering what others have used that will keep the run relatively “clean” (as much as you can with chickens)? Thank you in advance!

 

[SpaghettiJo]

We've used a sand/hay mixture on top of cement with drainage before (slanted & with holes) & loved it! It helped us escape the muddiness here in VA under wraps, was easy to clean, & kept foxes & other predators out by making it impossible to dig a hole & sneak into their coop/run at night. We kept a dust bath or two in there with them (6 hens) & you can also make little sprout boxes to keep along the edges with chicken wire over the top, so they can't dig them up, but they can still get a hold of the sprouts as they grow up through it for a little greenery while they're not out foraging here's a link for how to make them https://www.hawk-hill.com/2014/01/chicken-grazing-boxes/

 

[DobieLover]

I use a thick layer of wood chips.

 

[Dandiesandy]

I use a thick layer of wood chips.
View attachment 2109083

I love this idea, so did u use mulch or chip ur own wood?

 

[B-Goock]

I put pine chips in the coop that you buy at any farm store and when it needs cleaned out I throw it in the run. I get to use it twice. Gives it longer time to break down before I put it in the compost pile and keeps the run drier.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I love this idea, so did u use mulch or chip ur own wood?

Not DobieLover but I also use chips, I have them chipped off fallen branches on my property, so they're "free" and I 100% know where they came from and that they're safe to use.

 

[DobieLover]

I love this idea, so did u use mulch or chip ur own wood?

The municipalities around me collect curbside branches and run them through chippers or shredders and leave huge piles out at the Highway Department site for resident to use for free.

 

[tralfaz]

Check with your local tree removal companies. A few of ours are willing to drop off for free. They otherwise have to dispose of it elsewhere. Make sure you ask for clean new hardwood. It will last longer.

 

[Dandiesandy]

The municipalities around me collect curbside branches and run them through chippers or shredders and leave huge piles out at the Highway Department site for resident to use for free.

I did not know this I will check this out.

 

[Dandiesandy]

I did not know this I will check this out.

actually who would i call?