Run Materials

[Jenna0822]

Hello,

This group has been so incredibly helpful so I thought I'd throw another question your way.

We built our coop and run on a slight slope. The coop part is on a leveled crushed stone foundation. The run will also be on a 1ft elevation propped up with landscape timbers. Any suggestions on what kind of fill to use in the run area? It is approx 17'x8'. I'm just not sure if I should do gravel with dirt on top for drainage? Just gravel? woodchips? gravel with woodchips on top?

The run will be covered with a roof.

Thank you!

Jenna

 

[DobieLover]

I'd use wood chips. The birds are going to dig holes and mix it up so if you put gravel in there too it's all going to get mixed together and won't make a great substrate for dust bathing in.

 

[Jenna0822]

I'd use wood chips. The birds are going to dig holes and mix it up so if you put gravel in there too it's all going to get mixed together and won't make a great substrate for dust bathing in.

Do you think woodchips would decompose quickly/get moldy? Should I do woodchips for the whole 12+ inches?

 

[DobieLover]

I would put down about 4".
I use them in that thickness under a solid roof and they're dry as a bone in the center.

 

[Percheron chick]

12" would make a nice compost bin. Fill it with anything organic. Straw, wood chips, leaves, grass, pine needles, kitchen waste... Beautiful black gold for the garden, flowerbeds and lawn. Rinse and repeat.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Gravel in general I would avoid (though I know it may be needed for drainage). All gravel is a no, rough on a chicken's feet and poop will eventually fall between the stones and start rotting and stinking.

Deep litter using a base of chunky aged wood chips is my recommendation (same as above). It'll allow the poop to compost in place, control mud and odors, and provide drainage as well.

 

[3KillerBs]

Another vote for wood chips and/or any other dry organic material that comes to hand. The chickens will love it.

 

[Sally PB]

Wood chips decompose and get nice and spongy-soft. Very easy on the feet. Gravel doesn't do that.

 

[aart]

Hello,

This group has been so incredibly helpful so I thought I'd throw another question your way.

We built our coop and run on a slight slope. The coop part is on a leveled crushed stone foundation. The run will also be on a 1ft elevation propped up with landscape timbers. Any suggestions on what kind of fill to use in the run area? It is approx 17'x8'. I'm just not sure if I should do gravel with dirt on top for drainage? Just gravel? woodchips? gravel with woodchips on top?

The run will be covered with a roof.

Thank you!

Jenna

Run ground slopes 1' over 17'?
Got pics?
How's the drainage/runoff around the run area?