I am trying to find some super soft mulch for the run. Plus the soil is SO hard and compacted, I'm hoping to find a mulch that can help bring the soil back to life a little bit. I will look into the stew idea though! The only problem with that, is won't it get mold on the bottom if the ground is so wet? I use hay every now an then when I can get shavings, and it gets black and mold within a couple days, since where I liv its so moist. Plus the coop doesn't have accrual walls, just chain link, and a roof, so it does get somewhat misted on.