New to this group, but question on run...

[pennyJo1960]

When I was young and we had chickens, we had a large run with natural ground in the woods that was not covered and other than an occasional hawk or the great horned owl, never an issue...Here, I have the coop, the run fenced all around...a teacher at my school said I need to put hay in the run because when it rains they will get some foot disease. I have never heard this before...opinions? Advice?? Thanks~ Lynette

maybe bumble foot ? but Welcome ask what the heck of your friend, chickens are closest to prehistoric as one might get they eat things that would make most of go
but they give us very tasty breakfast, lunch or dinner

 

[LynetteM]

maybe bumble foot ? but Welcome ask what the heck of your friend, chickens are closest to prehistoric as one might get they eat things that would make most of go
but they give us very tasty breakfast, lunch or dinner

Was told to feed chick feed until they are laying, but they love bananas so much! lol

 

[Hope Hughes]

Everyone does everything different and has their own opinions. I just know after seeing all the videos and pictures i would rather avoid it if i can. People use hay/straw and never have a proplem and then there are people that do and have a big problem. Like i said has to be a choice you make on your own. Only stating my opinion and what i have witnessed myself.
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[N F C]

Was told to feed chick feed until they are laying, but they love bananas so much! lol

Bananas and other treats are ok in moderation (recommended not more than 10% of their total daily intake). Here is a link to a list of other treats that they might like:
chicken-treat-chart-the-best-treats-for-backyard-chickens.47738

Keep them on the chick feed or grower feed until they start to lay (layer feed has too much calcium in it for growing birds).

 

[UncleDougsChickens]

I have used straw and hay for the past few months without any problems. My chickens DO eat various parts of it though, small bits, but never large pieces that would hurt them. If you have straw then go for it, otherwise you can try drying grass clippings after you mow your yard, I've done that before and it worked well. Just buying hay is easier though haha