Rubber Mulch?

[Lemon&Basil]

Hi friends!
Lemon and Basil are growing so quickly and it’s time to complete their outdoor area.
We are thinking rubber mulch for the bottom of their 10x10 enclosed area? There is a night enclosure inside this area as well.
Should we stay away from rubber mulch? If so, what should we choose that will be safe and easier to clean?

 

[chickens really]

Hi friends!
Lemon and Basil are growing so quickly and it’s time to complete their outdoor area.
We are thinking rubber mulch for the bottom of their 10x10 enclosed area? There is a night enclosure inside this area as well.
Should we stay away from rubber mulch? If so, what should we choose that will be safe and easier to clean?

No rubber because if they eat it is not going to work too well..I have sand over a base of gravel for drainage..Sloped too..

 

[Lemon&Basil]

Thank you. In their indoor are we currently use a rubber mat. Would you suggest this in a larger scale?

 

[chickendreams24]

Their bodies could not digest rubber mulch if they ate it and I believe it would almost certainly/could cause an impaction and death.

I also know many people use wood chips(not shavings but chips) they eventually compost down but are good habitat for bugs and encourage scratching. Of course don't use cedar wood chips as it is dangerous to chickens.

 

[thumper650]

I've been using rubber horse stall mats lately as an experiment in the run floor. So far they're good I think. I put them where they usually stand, by their food. So far no problems. I hose them off daily. If possible make sure they're slightly inclined so they drain. I don't know if they're ok for their feet long term, but I hope so.

 

[llombardo]

In their house I put vinyl flooring down and use a flaxseed bedding. They have been outside since June and I still have not cleaned out all of the bedding started over. I try to scoop daily, no more tgen two days. The floor still looks brand new. I check it out when I fluff the bedding. Outside I have different material. If you have any water sources or pools I suggest River rock in those areas. In other areas I have wood mulch. All of it seems to be working.

I thought about rubber, but I see how and what they eat, it would be a sure disaster.