Rocks in the run

[The Chickadoodles]

I have a newly built chicken coop and we placed the coop and run somewhere nice but the problem is, there are some small rocks in the run and I wonder if it will bother the chickens or not. Should I remove the rocks or no?

 

[Ted_Harrell]

I would leave them in, if they are not too plentiful, makes it more natural for your babies. Enjoy your flock...

 

[Laurel09]

I don't think leaving the rocks is problem, this will give your run a more natural look and your chickens might love it.Just make sure you at least have a place for dust baths with no rocks

 

[aart]

I have a newly built chicken coop and we placed the coop and run somewhere nice but the problem is, there are some small rocks in the run and I wonder if it will bother the chickens or not. Should I remove the rocks or no?

How many rocks and of what size, shape, and texture are they?
A pic would be helpful here.
Probably not a concern.

 

[Eggs2chicks]

I left my rocks in. As I clean the coop with a rake some come free and those get moved as it happens. I have decided after yesterday’s rain and a few puddles (dried up quickly) that I am going to sand and pea gravel their area. Also going to cover the rest of their coop with see through tin/what ever that stuff is called. Lol. And make a square area for growing grass patch in there for them.

 

[chickenthyme]

We left rocks in an area that we thought might collect moisture (like 3/4 to 1 inch) and I've been amazed that they dig right through them!! In fact, they've tipped the run a bit with their digging. Sometimes I think they are trying to tunnel out!!

 

[Steven Bussell]

I put pea gravel, sand and sand stone in my run... covered that with small tan bark.
As long as there is no sharp edges your good to go

 

[2fizz]

I've got quite a few river rocks of varying sizes in my pens. Doesn't seem to bother the chicks at all. They move them out of the way to make dust baths. They prob find bugs under them sometimes.

I also spread a good, thick layer of tree trimmings around too. Cuts down on the exposed mud and poop considerably. The tree guys deliver as much as I want for free rather than pay to haul it to the dump.

 

[Cryss]

I have rocks, bricks, and an old chunk of concrete in the run. They wipe their beaks on them sometimes. I let them because someone mentioned it was good for keeping the beak clean and naturally filed. Sounded good so I left them in there.

 

[RoosterML]

Pea gravel and round edge rocks you are ok with as long as it’s not a crazy amount. Sharp edge rocks should be removed. I had an issue with bumble foot in the past and I attribute it to rocks. I had put about a 12”-16” band of rocks all the way around my barn to help with drainage. Bad idea as the chickens repeatedly step on them it cut their feet enough to cause an issue. Since I have greatly reduced the amount of rocks the bumble foot issue went away.