Pea gravel for chicken run?

[Lesli Hodges]

A lot of really good information thank you very much! Definitely have a lot of things to consider. I have three chickens & I'm not planning on getting anymore but it definitely sounds like I will need to build a bigger chicken run. Thanks again.

 

[Kelley G]

I would put a few inches of construction sand down, easy to scoop and keep clean. Also nice for the feet.

 

[Pstock44]

Since you raked out most of the pea gravel that'll allow them to scratch into the dirt a little and find the grit they need too. They'll like that. Should be easy to rinse out if it does get stinky too. Chickens like to take dust baths to stay clean and help keep mites and other micro pests away. My run is clay based "dirt" that gets really hard so I gave them a large tote with slightly coarse builders sand and they all use it about once a day. They're fun to watch too. Just put a few drain holes in the tote or under a covered area to keep the sand dry.

I think you've got it going but I agree that the bigger the run the happier they'll be.

 

[Lesli Hodges]

Since you raked out most of the pea gravel that'll allow them to scratch into the dirt a little and find the grit they need too. They'll like that. Should be easy to rinse out if it does get stinky too. Chickens like to take dust baths to stay clean and help keep mites and other micro pests away. My run is clay based "dirt" that gets really hard so I gave them a large tote with slightly coarse builders sand and they all use it about once a day. They're fun to watch too. Just put a few drain holes in the tote or under a covered area to keep the sand dry.

I think you've got it going but I agree that the bigger the run the happier they'll be.

Thank you.

 

[Chicky hick]

Gravel should be fine, won't hurt them....the shade is good.
Give it a try, you can always move it.

I’m just starting with chickens, I was told if you put the pea gravel down, the worms and insects will eat any decomposing poop

 

[aart]

I’m just starting with chickens, I was told if you put the pea gravel down, the worms and insects will eat any decomposing poop

Gravel is not a good decompostion media, worms and insects don't want to live in gravel.
Wood chippings and other smaller dry plant matter is best to break down the poops.
Just the carbons(wood) will take care of the poops and it's more amenable to decomposing organisms(like 'worms'' and 'insects').