Run Bedding

[Roxanne06]

How big is your run? Maybe I can help with the math. I just transitioned to wood chips about a month ago. I went to a landscape/demo place that grinds down all their own trees so it's completely organic (not treated, no pesticides/fertilizer). They sell by a scoop (from a bobcat). Each scoop is half a cubic yard. We filled the truck bed with 1.5 scoops. So 3/4 a cubic yard.

I have a run that is 9'x24' and I can tell you we got way too much wood chips! We probably only needed half that. So we probably needed a half a truck load.

See pics.
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You have the most beautiful run. Your chickens are sure lucky to have you.

 

[Roxanne06]

Thanks for all of your ideas! We were going to give them our leaves, but the past week or os has been very rainy so the leaves are soaking wet. I saw in some other posts that only dry leaves should be added - do you know if that's accurate?

Also, I'm having a hard time finding any totally untreated mulch. I found one on Amazon that is cedar, but heard that cedar is one to stay away from. Any brand recommendations? Thanks again!

Don't do cedar. It is bad for respiratory. And no leaves because they get moldy. Again bad for respiration. I use large pine shavings. The plain ones with no odor. I clean out the run daily from poop and add more shavings.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Don't do cedar. It is bad for respiratory. And no leaves because they get moldy. Again bad for respiration. I use large pine shavings. The plain ones with no odor. I clean out the run daily from poop and add more shavings.

Climate makes a big difference. What works for you (pine shavings) can become a waterlogged sloppy mess in a rainy, muddy environment and what doesn't work for you (dried leaves) works for a lot of us. My guess is type of leaves plus temperature/humidity plays a big role in that.

 

[My Three Chicks]

You have the most beautiful run. Your chickens are sure lucky to have you.

You're so kind to say that! These 4 girls are my first chickens. Got them in April last year. Trying to take care of them the best I can. They give me so much...eggs, laughs, amusement, pecks, scratches, snuggles

 

[Roxanne06]

You're so kind to say that! These 4 girls are my first chickens. Got them in April last year. Trying to take care of them the best I can. They give me so much...eggs, laughs, amusement, pecks, scratches, snuggles

The ones I have are also my first. I have 5 girls who follow me around the yard and make me laugh. When I give them a treat they coo like a dove and make other sounds of content. I actually love them. Never thought I would love a chicken the way I love my cat or dog. I get 6 eggs daily and get to share with family and friends. They make me happy and are really good for my depression.

 

[Roxanne06]

Will have to celebrate in March my chickens one year anniversary. They all made it. I got them last March when they were only about 2 weeks old.

 

[Roxanne06]

This is Blondie. My favorite

 

[vblrn]

Yes, the leaves should be dry or they pack, mat, and form anaerobic pockets. I use straw from time to time, but in a wet area and when not mixed with other materials it will also pack and mat. Chopped straw is supposed to be better about that, but I've never tried it.

You are correct, don't use cedar.

Go to a garden center and ask them for undyed mulch. Pine bark mulch is probably the easiest to find. I see it available in a number of brands on the Lowes website. Home Depot probably carries it too.

Is pine safe for chickens? I have seen comments that say use hardwood mulch instead I’m a newbie so I just don’t know what to do!

 

[NatJ]

Is pine safe for chickens? I have seen comments that say use hardwood mulch instead I’m a newbie so I just don’t know what to do!

Outside in the run it should be fine.

 

[aart]

Is pine safe for chickens? I have seen comments that say use hardwood mulch instead I’m a newbie so I just don’t know what to do!

Outside in the run it should be fine.

Inside the coop is fine too.