Sand vs dirt

[ivan3]

It won't prevent Bumble Foot, or fungal diseases. But a drier run will certainly decrease the opportunities afforded disease agents.
Start with the 4 bags and be prepared to add a bit more as the chooks will dig. Does make it easier to rake out waste.

 

[elmo]

I had bark chips in our big run but took them out (that was an awful job). The bark chips held moisture, which is not ideal. Several of our hens developed foot infections while the bark chips were in there, making me question whether the chips were abrading their feet. Finally, it was impossible to clean out any droppings from among the bark.

I now have sand in this run and love it. When the sand gets wet, it dries quickly. It's easy on feet, and it's easy for me to pick out droppings using a reptile litter scoop taped to a long handle.