Run material question

[CKfarm22]

I’m in Central NJ, our backyard is mostly sand (where the coop is). I know some people use just regular sand in their runs but can have a problem with moisture. I’ve used free “mulch” from our local compost area (for the other coop) but half the time i’m picking up plastic from it. Is the item in the picture something i can use in the run?

 

[David61]

tree service wood chips

 

[SourRoses]

If your sand is native and natural (varied particle size & shape), and sitting on yet more sand, then it's the very best drainage you can get.

That's what we have here, in central Florida, where we get frequent torrential rains and in summer daily afternoon showers. The sand can clear flooding in an hour or two, and we don't have to do any maintenance in the runs.
If we added organic matter, it would just stay soggy. We have that problem with leaves and stalks from the Alfalfa hay we give sometimes, and then it molds because the rain and humidity won't let it dry out, so I do have to rake that stuff away before it goes bad.

Sand becomes a problem for people when the drainage underneath is insufficient, like sitting on top of clay, or flat flooring... and when they choose sand without natural variance, like play sand. Even construction sand, which is a step up, is not as good as sand worn by the elements.
There's a reason beach sand is so sought after that it's ruining our beaches under the guise of "improvement"

 

[Brooks_]

Is the item in the picture something i can use in the run?

Yes

tree service wood chips

This is better and likely won't have the plastic you spoke of

If your sand is native and natural (varied particle size & shape), and sitting on yet more sand, then it's the very best drainage you can get.

Sand becomes a problem for people when the drainage underneath is insufficient

You would need to dig a hole to investigate your particular sand.

 

[CKfarm22]

Yes

This is better and likely won't have the plastic you spoke of



You would need to dig a hole to investigate your particular sand.

So far I haven’t noticed any “pooling” anywhere around the coop that is also the same sand. Like where the rain falls off of the roof, i haven’t noticed anything

 

[Brooks_]

So far I haven’t noticed any “pooling” anywhere around the coop that is also the same sand. Like where the rain falls off of the roof, i haven’t noticed anything

Then you likely won't have the same issues as when most complain about sand.

"I" would still top it with some litter.

 

[aart]

The sandy soil is good for drainage, or at least it is here.
The wood chippings are what decompose the poops.
The coarser the wood chippings the longer they will last,
this is why chippings from a tree trimmer will last much longer than anything that comes in a bag.

 

[SourRoses]

"I" would still top it with some litter.

Curious, why?

@CKfarm22 ooh, you could do an experiment and do litter in part and sand in another section, and update us after rains, etc.

 

[Brooks_]

Curious, why?

Give the poop more places to go and break down.

 

[SourRoses]

Give the poop more places to go and break down.

Ahh! Our poop (in the runs / yards, not coops) goes bye bye, but that's probably because of our rains. Might not be the same for Op.