Welcome to BYC! I started with chickens over the summer and the people of BYC have been great. Please visit my BYC Page for my blog links that you may find informative or amusing.
If you do not like the gravel you can put in sand over it.
Welcome! I've seen a lot of talk about using sand lately but we use pine shavings. It's cheaper and doesn't mold like hay can in the humid climate. Make sure it's pine though. Cedar bothers their respiratory!
Welcome to the most wonderful addiction on the planet! You have come to the worst support group ever.....we're all ADDICTED ENABLERS.
It would sort of be like going to an AA meeting and everyone is chanting, "TAKE THAT DRINK....TAKE THAT DRINK" ha!
You will find newbies and experts here that will answer your questions, point you in the right direction and sympathize with your troubles. I've learned SO much and have been supported through some difficult times. You're going to love it here on BYC!