Is concrete bad?

[Emmastemarie_1]

Hello! My family is planning to get chickens and Our landlord left an amazing shed that he used for a coop. It’s predator proof and the bottom is paved. Our whole yard is pavement and we have a little area for them to have some exercise, but it’s all pavement. Is this ok? Should I put some boxes of dirt for them to go in and dig into? Dirt baths? HELP!

 

[Mellowmalt]

sure they like to scratch around in some dirt. Ashes are great for dust baths. If you can provide some, go for it but they might just end up scattering it around and make a mess.
They don't need dust baths, they do need grit however so make sure to provide grit regularly.

 

[rosemarythyme]

They'll appreciate dust baths. Would also suggest using a thick layer of bedding across the entire floor to provide padding, enrichment, and to help absorb odor.

 

[Sally PB]

Would also suggest using a thick layer of bedding across the entire floor to provide padding, enrichment, and to help absorb odor.

The thick bedding will also be much kinder to their feet. It'll provide a softer landing when they jump off the roost too.

You won't have any predators digging into your coop/run, that's for sure.

 

[RojoMarz]

The whole yard is paved, not just the coop floor? Will their "run" space be completely paved?

 

[Emmastemarie_1]

The thick bedding will also be much kinder to their feet. It'll provide a softer landing when they jump off the roost too.

You won't have any predators digging into your coop/run, that's for sure.

Thank you!!

 

[Emmastemarie_1]

The whole yard is paved, not just the coop floor? Will their "run" space be completely paved?

Yes we have no grass or dirt in our yard, just pavement

 

[Sally PB]

Yes we have no grass or dirt in our yard, just pavement

So thick bedding is even more important. If you stand on concrete for any length of time, you know how tiring that is to your feet and legs. Now do it all day long, barefoot. That's what chickens do.

If you have access to wood chips, that makes a great base for bedding in the run. They last a long time, they break down into fantastic mulch, and they absorb odor from poop.

Check out this thread for lots of information:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/composting-chicken-run.1336030/

 

[3KillerBs]

@Sally PB has given you very good advice above.

You'll want a good, thick layer of wood chips and other dry, organic material -- there's not much chickens love more than a thick layer of dead leaves if you can get a bag full from a friend. Or you could give them a straw bale with one tie cut so that they can enjoy tearing it apart.

And yes, some kind of dust bath will be necessary. Be sure to use topsoil rather than potting soil because all forms of potting soil contain assorted additives that won't necessarily be good for the birds.

 

[Emmastemarie_1]

@Sally PB has given you very good advice above.

You'll want a good, thick layer of wood chips and other dry, organic material -- there's not much chickens love more than a thick layer of dead leaves if you can get a bag full from a friend. Or you could give them a straw bale with one tie cut so that they can enjoy tearing it apart.

And yes, some kind of dust bath will be necessary. Be sure to use topsoil rather than potting soil because all forms of potting soil contain assorted additives that won't necessarily be good for the birds.

Thank you so much! My neighbor has LOTS of leaves!