New coop run - currently yard grass - what should we do ?

[ChickaMama49]

We just had new coop put in and babies will go in a few months from now. What should we do for the run after the chickens dig up all the grass? We are in FL. Hot and humid. So sand is natural dirt. Thinking of adding mulch or just crushed up river rock? Or sand? Not wanting to do deep litter method. Any thoughts are appreciated. Will be letting them free range in yard sometimes.

 

[nminusyplusm]

Welcome to BYC! Can I ask why you don't want to do deep litter? I think it requires the least maintenance and provides the healthiest environment.

 

[nminusyplusm]

Also I see that you got at least 6 chicks? What are the dimensions of your coop? It looks too small.

 

[ChickaMama49]

It’s not small it’s big enough for 8 chickens

 

[ChickaMama49]

We will end up having 5

 

[ChickaMama49]

Welcome to BYC! Can I ask why you don't want to do deep litter? I think it requires the least maintenance and provides the healthiest environment.

Hello ! Deep litter will be too much work for us we are in a neighborhood and don’t want to have the work of turning it plus we get snakes here.

 

[nminusyplusm]

Hello ! Deep litter will be too much work for us we are in a neighborhood and don’t want to have the work of turning it plus we get snakes here.

Deep litter is less work. I'm in a neighborhood too and my coop is about 15' away from my neighbor's kitchen door and 8' from mine. DL keeps it smelling good and prevents flies from hanging around. The chickens do the work of turning it not you.

Also your coop needs to do the job of keeping predators out. If the coop isn't safe, it doesn't matter what litter you use, you'll have problems.

 

[nminusyplusm]

We will end up having 5

It still looks too small for 5.

 

[ChickaMama49]

You can look up JB COOPS & KENNELS on Facebook, we have medium sized coop with 3 panels run.

 

[ChickaMama49]

It is pretty good sized- hard to see in pics. We also have to stay within our city code.