Poll: run bedding

[RAsChickens]

I'm really confused on what bedding to use in my 50 sq ft run for my 5 girlies. It is currently hard packed dirt and a molehill. The girls free range all day and are locked up in the run/coop at night. Me, being minor OCD and a neat freak, want it to look better. What should I do?

 

[DuckPro]

I voted gravel, because it has some grit in it that chickens digest their food with it. I also think some dirt would make it soft too. I vote gravel&dirt.

 

[barred2rock]

I use straw, voted "other".

 

[RAsChickens]

I use straw, voted "other".

PLEASE read this
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2017/03/reasons-straw-does-not-belong-in.html

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

I use deep litter method

 

[barred2rock]

PLEASE read this
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2017/03/reasons-straw-does-not-belong-in.html

Straw works for me. They've been on it from day one of arriving at my place (shipped as day old chicks), without any issues. Our environment is typically very dry so moister issues are virtually nonexistent. Next time I need new material I'll probably throw some pine in.

 

[LilJoe]

My chickens free-range so we don't do anything with their run...
just 'dirt' well..the ground so...rocks, dirt, clay, grass....

 

[Nupe]

Unless you're having drainage issues and everything likes to stay wet and stinky, you really don't have to do anything to the run, especially if you let them free range during the day. I would suggest if you rake up grass clippings and/or leaves, throwing them in there will give the chickens something to scratch around when they can't get out. Also keep and eye out for free stuff. The city often offers free mulch which is usually trimmed branches and fallen trees picked up after storms. Also my feedstore has no problem with me cleaning up the busted bales around their hay trailers every now and then.

 

[Folly's place]

I use bagged pine shavings and other plant materials as they are available, including weeds, dried leaves, hay, and sometimes straw. Mary

 

[RAsChickens]

Unless you're having drainage issues and everything likes to stay wet and stinky, you really don't have to do anything to the run, especially if you let them free range during the day. I would suggest if you rake up grass clippings and/or leaves, throwing them in there will give the chickens something to scratch around when they can't get out. Also keep and eye out for free stuff. The city often offers free mulch which is usually trimmed branches and fallen trees picked up after storms. Also my feedstore has no problem with me cleaning up the busted bales around their hay trailers every now and then.

We have a roof over the top of the run because last winter the run was a muddy mess... if you know anything about Seattle weather you'll understand.