New coop build question.

[RuralAmy]

Hi all! We are building a new coop and run for our girls. My question is if these 1/4” rocks are unsafe to use for the run floor and if we need to clear it out? Added photos. Fenced area is their indoor run right now.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Looks like gravel. We use it in some places. Chickens eat the smaller stuff. Should be fine. It will eventually pack down more. You can always top dress with some sand to help it pack.

 

[RuralAmy]

Looks like gravel. We use it in some places. Chickens eat the smaller stuff. Should be fine. It will eventually pack down more. You can always top dress with some sand to help it pack.

Awesome. Thank you!!!!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Personally would not recommend gravel especially as the sole substrate, it can be hard on their feet to have nothing softer to dig through and you may have odor issues as poop works its way down and breaks down under the gravel.

 

[RuralAmy]

Personally would not recommend gravel especially as the sole substrate, it can be hard on their feet to have nothing softer to dig through and you may have odor issues as poop works its way down and breaks down under the gravel.

Definitely don’t want their poor feet having issues let alone odor issues. What about adding sand to it?
This used to be a play area for the previous owners and just held a trampoline for the last few years for us. There is plastic under the gravel to subdue any weed/grass growth.
we have somewhere else to locate the rocks, and sounds like that is what will need to happen.
In our current run we just have dirt and pine chips. Is there a better option for the run floor that we can get? The only good thing about the pine chips is how quickly they absorb moisture and dry out. Bad thing is shoveling it all out as it takes forever to break down.