Help on run choice!

[MeghanT]

Hello! So I’m originally building my chicken run, I had put down sand. Well turns out I have one chicken that became obsessed with the sand and would constantly eat it and get impactions. So we took out all the sand in the run and just have wooden boards right now. I’m struggling to decide what to put down instead. Half of the run has a roof and the other half doesn’t, so I’m worried about getting something that the rain won’t totally ruin. I am also to nervous to put in smaller things like shavings or dirt in case her obsession thrives further than sand. And being able to clean it easily is a must! If anyone has ideas I would be forever grateful!

 

[3KillerBs]

How about coarse wood chips? The sort you get from a tree-trimming service.

They're often considered the gold standard vs. mud and odor and are too large for chickens to eat.

You don't need to clean them because they compost together with the poop -- that is, unless you have too many birds for the space, in which case you'll have to remove and replace them from time to time.

 

[MeghanT]

How about coarse wood chips? The sort you get from a tree-trimming service.

They're often considered the gold standard vs. mud and odor and are too large for chickens to eat.

You don't need to clean them because they compost together with the poop -- that is, unless you have too many birds for the space, in which case you'll have to remove and replace them from time to time.

I’ve thought about it! Do you know the chances of them cutting themselves on the wood chips and getting bumble foot? That’s been my only worry that that

 

[3KillerBs]

I’ve thought about it! Do you know the chances of them cutting themselves on the wood chips and getting bumble foot? That’s been my only worry that that

I would think that it's exceedingly unlikely.

Many of us here have chosen wood chips and raised our chickens on them without incident.

 

[MeghanT]

I would think that it's exceedingly unlikely.

Many of us here have chosen wood chips and raised our chickens on them without incident.

Okay thank you! I think I might try this option!