Help what to put in run

[amberlynne99]

Hello. I’ve done research and everyone seems to have a different opinion on what to use for the run. I have an 10x10 which has a chicken house in it but for the run where the chickens are what can I put in to help with the poop? I was using straw but read that can kill the chickens. Idk what to use

 

[DobieLover]

Where are you located? That can affect what would work well.
I'm in New York and I use free wood chips that I get from one of the local Town highway departments.

 

[amberlynne99]

I’m in Virginia. Oh okay never thought of wood chips.

 

[amberlynne99]

Thank you!

 

[DobieLover]

I’m in Virginia. Oh okay never thought of wood chips.

I put down about a 4-5" thick later. It works great.

 

[marcglider]

I have been using sand (paver underlayment) and it works great here in Fl... I take a small rake and make small piles, then I use a sifter pan which catches the poop, leaves, small sticks, etc... I mix some baking soda and DE in occasionally, it is easy to take care of and does not stink... I also have a 10X10 run.

 

[Mybackyardpeepers]

I like the wood mulch. Worked great with my bigger chickens and now my silkies are on it!

 

[Mvan42]

When we clean out coop we put the wood chips in there for a second use before we put them on the compost pile.

 

[blackdog043]

Wood chips work great or natural undyed mulch. You can also add leaves and yard/garden waste. Chicken poop will degrade into the mixture, you shouldn't have any bad odors and it shouldn't draw flies. As the material breaks down or it gives off bad odors add more, keep it 3 - 6 inches deep. The chickens will love scratching through it and dust bathing.

I keep mine deeper 6 - 12 inches.

 

[aart]

I was using straw but read that can kill the chickens.

Ehhh...that's not true, unless it gets full of mold...it's the mold that can kill them not the straw.

My runs have semi-deep litter(cold composting), never clean anything out, just add smaller dry materials on occasion, add larger wood chippings as needed.
Aged ramial wood chippings are best IMO.