sharp rocks around the coop - help

[chkinut]

hey guys. we put some drainage rock around the coop a few months ago. its also on the floor of the coop, but i have covered that with hay. but they still like to scratch around the rock outside of the coop. i just culled 2 of my hens this morning due to bumblefoot. i was going to try to treat it, but i read that oftentimes it returns....that hens that have it will most likely get it again. we are now down to 4 hens which isn't enough to supply us eggs for our family. 2 of the hens are older and 2 of them are only 3 1/2 months old. we would like to get about 3 more chicks. but i worry that they rock is causing the bumble foot? any ideas? i think the rock has cut their feet and then infection set in. please help with any advice.

 

[coolcanoechic]

How big is your run? Do you have any pictures? I don't know much about bumblefoot, but I think I know a way to help with the drainage rock.

Spread stone dust over the run. It drains, yet packs pretty hard. It is very cheap to buy by the yard. I just picked up a half a yard for 13 bucks locally. spread it out thick enough to cover those sharp rocks well and then hose it down and in a few days it will settle down and be pretty hard. If you need a lot, have it delivered. It's very heavy for a pick up truck. A half yard weighs about 1500 lbs. This is a half yard in the picture.
Good Luck!

 

[chkinut]

thanks!! i'll keep that in mind! and thanks for the pic. sorry i can't post any pics, i would have to get hubby to help and right now he's busy. my run is very big...don't know the dimensions, but very big. AND they also are allowed out of the run for 1/2 the day or more to free range. a friend of mine is sweetly giving me 3 young hens who are at point-of-lay and i'm going to pick them up on sunday.