OK for coop bedding AND DLM?

[Ted Brown]

Maybe, I don't know...would want to touch it first.

What would I be feeling for?

 

[aart]

What would I be feeling for?

For me size is important in the run, I want mostly bigger thicker chunks mixed with some smaller ones. I buy baled shavings for the coop because I want them bone dry.

 

[Ted Brown]

@aart Does your open run influence your " bigger thicker chunks mixed with some smaller ones"?

 

[aart]

@aart Does your open run influence your " bigger thicker chunks mixed with some smaller ones"?

It's more about large pieces work longer...smaller pieces break down faster.
Tho the open run may make things break down faster, it's also a reason to avoid too many smaller and more fragile materials so no wet packing happens.
A good mix of sizes and materials is what I strive for in the run.

 

[MiaS]

It's more about large pieces work longer...smaller pieces break down faster.
Tho the open run may make things break down faster, it's also a reason to avoid too many smaller and more fragile materials so no wet packing happens.
A good mix of sizes and materials is what I strive for in the run.

I suspect that where you are located also helps in determining how long it takes for stuff to break down. We live in a very dry area and it takes a really long time for chips to break down. Here they are more likely to be blown to the next town. Wetter, more acidic soils would likely have chips breaking down faster though.

 

[aart]

I suspect that where you are located also helps in determining how long it takes for stuff to break down. We live in a very dry area and it takes a really long time for chips to break down. Here they are more likely to be blown to the next town. Wetter, more acidic soils would likely have chips breaking down faster though.

No doubt moisture makes a huge difference,
as would ratio of space to birds regarding amount of nitrogen, and probably the type of wood.
It's all a balance that needs to be observed and adjusted if need be.

I still have some big chunks/sticks of wood out there, but a good portion of the run is bare 'dirt' especially at the top of the slight slope where the people and pop doors are located. It gets pretty mucky after a good rain, I've been tossing down shavings there, surprisingly still low odor but that's gonna change when the heat comes on. I haven't kept good track of when I added more chips, but think it's been about a year and it wasn't as much as I wanted. It's also very compacted after 5-6 years and full of ankle twisting holes dug by the birds and moles. I actually took a shovel and broke some of that up just to smooth things out.

Picking up some wood chips(from tree trimming) hopefully tomorrow, finally found some good ones

 

[aart]

Picking up some wood chips(from tree trimming) hopefully tomorrow, finally found some good ones

Here's the chippings I picked up today....ideal variation in sizes, IMO.

 

[MiaS]

Here's the chippings I picked up today....ideal variation in sizes, IMO.
View attachment 1821041

so @aart you like this particular mix because it is a variety of sizes or what makes it acceptable to you? Just curious...the chips in my run are beginning to compress pretty nicely. I may still have to pick out some of the very long spindly branches. I think it is a good base but really have no idea what would be ideal.

 

[aart]

so @aart you like this particular mix because it is a variety of sizes or what makes it acceptable to you? Just curious...the chips in my run are beginning to compress pretty nicely. I may still have to pick out some of the very long spindly branches. I think it is a good base but really have no idea what would be ideal.

Yeppers, the size variation is key to me. Especially some bigger chunks as it will last longer.
I do on occasion pick out huge dagger like pieces, I have even found a few of those in the pine shaving bales. Nothing is perfect.