Run floor

[mldlm]

I currently have a chicken run that is attached to the coop (a converted shed). The run is 8 x 14’ and my six girls enjoy the run most of the day except or go into the coop to eat or lay their eggs. It USED to have grass, but is just barren earth now…can you imagine???lol Anyhow, I am looking for replacement dirt for the run. What is the best type? I love the dirt for ease of cleaning with a makeshift scoop. I have heard of River sand, but I am having a hard time finding it. Could it possibly go by another name? I also saw that somebody mentioned pea gravel, but I really like the dirt so they can scratch away. Thanks!

 

[Tookie]

Best thing to use would be natural matter.

 

[mldlm]

Best thing to use would be natural matter.

Like?

 

[Tookie]

Like?

Like mulch, leaves, grass clippings, dirt, compost, and sand, stuff like that mixed together.

 

[3KillerBs]

People who are happy with sand in their runs over the long term *generally* live in a dry climate and/or have a well-covered run that doesn't allow rain to get in.

I'm a fan of Deep Litter -- piling up layers of dry organic material that will compost together with the poop and neutralize it.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I am looking for replacement dirt for the run.

Why do you want to replace the dirt? My run is dirt but I don't replace it. If I knew your problem I'd feel better about responding.

Also, in NE Florida, what type of soil is your dirt? Sand, clay, or something else.

 

[mldlm]

Why do you want to replace the dirt? My run is dirt but I don't replace it. If I knew your problem I'd feel better about responding.

Also, in NE Florida, what type of soil is your dirt? Sand, clay, or something else.

It is sandy. I don’t want to replace it. I am loving the dirt, as it makes for easy cleanup. However, over time, due to rain, chickens trying to dig to China , and the rains here, I need to add more dirt from time to time. Just wanted to make sure I replace with stuff that is good for them. I have heard a lot about different kinds of sands and it is confusing. Thanks

 

[Tookie]

It is sandy. I don’t want to replace it. I am loving the dirt, as it makes for easy cleanup. However, over time, due to rain, chickens trying to dig to China , and the rains here, I need to add more dirt from time to time. Just wanted to make sure I replace with stuff that is good for them. I have heard a lot about different kinds of sands and it is confusing. Thanks

You may like to use sand then.

 

[rosemarythyme]

It is sandy. I don’t want to replace it. I am loving the dirt, as it makes for easy cleanup. However, over time, due to rain, chickens trying to dig to China , and the rains here, I need to add more dirt from time to time. Just wanted to make sure I replace with stuff that is good for them. I have heard a lot about different kinds of sands and it is confusing. Thanks

Is there dirt elsewhere in your yard that you could dig up and move over? Since it sounds like whatever natural substrate you already have works for you, the best replacement would be more of the same.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Thanks, now I understand. If you have more around you can use, great. If not, try a coarse sand, something like river sand or construction sand (the stuff you mix to make concrete). There are different types of sand for making concrete or mortar, avoid the fine ones and get the course types.