Hi everyone

[Rich Robinson]

Hello, I'm Rich. Never had chickens before but quite looking forward to the rewards the girls will bring, going to start with 4 hens. Been in the garden all weekend, preparing their new home, hopefully I'll have it finished by end of month. Run is about 12ft x 6 ft, not too sure what to do with the floor though. Currently it's soil and I was just going to cover it with bark so they could root and dust bath in, but other people suggesting hard surface such as flags then bark on top for easier maintenance and cleaning. Suggestions please. Thanks, Rich

 

[toddherren]

Welcome to the site. I personally prefer the dirt. I have 8x8 indoor coops with runs on them. I leave the birds inside during the winter months and plant wheat or other greens in the runs. They enjoy picking through the greenery.

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings, Rich, and

! Pleased you joined us! If Liverpool is very rainy you might consider something that will either drain or that the water will runoff. Good luck to you and have fun!

 

[drumstick diva]

 

[Fierlin1182]

Hi and

Our coops are just dirt floored, chickens will find a way to scratch around in any dirt place. We periodically put in a layer of grass clippings to keep things looking fresh.

 

[BrendaJ]

Hello from Oregon & welcome to BYC. The floor of my coop is wood and covered in shavings. some people use sand. The chicken run floor is covered with a layers of chicken wire to help prevent unwanted visitors. There is dirt, shavings and rocks as well.

 

[ncffp163]

Welcome to BYC

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

from WA State!

I don't think you will be happy with bark nuggets. I love sand, or just plain dirt myself. I use a kitty litter scoop with sand INSIDE the coop and love it. I scrape it with a plastic rake first.

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Welcome to BYC!!!

Glad to have you aboard!!

 

[Rich Robinson]

Thank you all for your advice and pointers. Cheers, Rich.