Litter bedding for runs

[joer77]

I am looking to redo my chickens run enclosure. I think of using construction sand/gravel mix on dirt. I thought Limestone with dust might be too hard on the bird's feet. They do get free range time weekly. I have used the deep compost way but leaves my bird too wet after rain. My coops are part shade area with trees but after a rain, it's mud center. I have tried leaves, wood chips, and straw which gives me a great compost and muddy chickens! Any thoughts?

 

[Lady of McCamley]

I personally do really well with the pine shavings you get in the bagged form.

Wood chips are too thick to absorb (however layered very deeply, they hold down mud...which we have in the free range/large runs). Straw molds and does nothing for the mud.

For the smaller attached runs which get the most wear and tear, the pine binds with the ammonia in the bird poo to hold down smell. It also absorbs a lot of the moisture and keeps the mud down where the birds are constantly tracking to get into the coop. (And we get a lot of rain and mud here in Oregon).

I have clay soil, so sand and clay just gives me cement. Pine shavings in my clay gives me nice compost as a bonus.

Keep a fresh topping of fluffy pine shavings, and the mud isn't a problem. At least it hasn't been for me. (All my friends in my area curse sand as it stagnates.)

I like to use the Cozy Den or Nature's pine shavings (not pellets). They are kiln dried and fluffy so that it does a really good job in the mud.

LofMc

 

[cpait]

I have a cover run and a run covered chicken wire. I had soil mixed with sand but thought the chickens would appreciate some straw to scratch through. Now they are scared stiff of the straw and are huddled up to avoid it. I wonder will they get used to it and go play around in it? I think I traumatized them.

 

[Lady of McCamley]

I have a cover run and a run covered chicken wire. I had soil mixed with sand but thought the chickens would appreciate some straw to scratch through. Now they are scared stiff of the straw and are huddled up to avoid it. I wonder will they get used to it and go play around in it? I think I traumatized them.

Chickens are silly bird brains at times.

Tease the straw so some of the seed heads are obvious, then they'll figure it out.

BTW to original poster, covered runs by the coop are essential in rainy weather. It doesn't stop the blowing rain, but it does keep down the mud as the ground isn't openly exposed.

LofMc