Straw in run...does it equal rodents?

[Chick CJ]

I have just put down around one half of a bale of straw in my chicken run. Now I am wondering if it will attract mice or rats. Anyone else with straw in their run have a problem? The chickens love it!!
CJ

 

[chookchick]

It should not be a problem with rodents, any more than other organic litter. Chicken food is much more attractive, so keep it in the coop if you are concerned. And clean up any "leftovers" from treats before bedtime. The problem I have with straw (or hay) is that it mats down, holds moisture, and general makes a muddy mess. I have had much better luck with the wood chip you can get for free from tree trimmers. Others here love using sand in the run.

 

[Chick CJ]

Shoot and here I thought I was doing away with the muddy mess by using the straw

I currently have their food hanging in the run but maybe I will move it into the coop. Do the chickens go after mice?
CJ

 

[chickerdoodle]

Chickens will eat mice!

 

[jeaucamom]

No, but straw does equal impacted crops. They eat it and can't pass it. You really need to think twice about this. The VAST majority of chickens will not eat the straw.. but the very few who do can die from it, or you will wind up doing crop surgery.. please be careful.

 

[annie3001]

hello.
i only use straw in the nesting boxes and i have used it on top of snow only, for them to venture out of their run.
i did put a bale of hay in the run, but it got to much for me to walk on.
my outside run is covered.
Is yours?
I would not suggest using straw/hay in a run, its a pain to clean up and dispose of.
we ended up burning ours in a outside firepit.
Now when i buy the hay i buy it in a large bag, (thats plenty) and put that in a covered garbage can. this method works best for us.
good luck!

andrea

 

[backdoorchicken]

we had a flooding issue a few months ago and in a haste i added a bale of straw. it worked wonderfully. it is a bit of a pain cleaning it out though. i just add it to the compost pile.

 

[Chick CJ]

Wow, so many different ideas and experiences!

I already have it in there so I am going to leave it for awhile and see how it goes. They seem to really be liking it this morning. I didn't put in too much so it shouldn't be too hard to get rid of if I don't like it. Thanks for all the ideas!
CJ

 

[Wifezilla]

I had a muddy mess in the duck pen and straw fixed it just fine. As for mice, my cat Zeus likes fast food, so bring it on! LOL

 

[Chick CJ]

Quote:
My run is covered but the dirt is so impacted under it it just seemed like it needed something else! Were you cleaning it out and disposing of it often? My grandson will love the idea that grandma has just provided him and grandpa with new fire fuel as they love to have "campfires" in the backyard!
CJ