Rocks in the run?

[TubbyChicken]

Would a thin layer of rocks in the run area be impractical?

 

[patandchickens]

rocks like gravel? sure, no problem. Rocks like brick-sized or larger without too much space in between? not so good - the chickens would have not much room to scratch and 'play'.

Good luck and have fun,

Pat

 

[TubbyChicken]

Quote:
I was thinking along the lines of gravel or larger pebbles...My thought was that it would be easier to maintain, less muddy and they could be raked around to "earth" the poo more easily than cleaning and rebedding with straw. Will they still scratch around the rocks? Could I throw some of our raked leaves in to give them something to soft and to scratch?

 

[patandchickens]

Quote:
Gravel or a gravel-sand mix (cheaper, arguably better) are fine run footings. They will help keep the run dry, thus less smelly/fly-ey, too.

If you use a gravel-sand mix, or relatively small gravel, that will be plenty soft and scratch-around-in-able. You can always toss in weeds you yanked out of the garden (NOT toxic ones, obviously, but most are fine) for them to nibble and poke at. Whether to mix in other organic matter, like dead leaves, is a personal choice but remember that they will break down and make the run muddier and wetter.

Good luck and have fun,

Pat

 

[Opa]

Straw in your run is a bad idea. It holds moisture and can get moldy and quite smelly. Sand/gravel mix is a much better plan. Just rake it occasionally. A lot less work in the long run