If the coop or hen house is dry, (like closed off from the rain) use a thick layer of sand topped off by either wheat straw, or shavings. This will provide a nice dry and soft floor for your hens to alight on when flying or jumping down from the roost. A LITTLE shelled corn or else scratch feed widely scattered on the bedding will provide your birds with enough incentive to keep the bedding turned and refreshed without you lifting a finger. Chickens are maw nature's version of a garden tiller.
