Under the coop run maintenance

[KeriannG]

Hello all

I'm new to the chick community - just bought my first six chicks! Love them! I converted half of my shed for their coop which has an automatic door leading to their run. Part of the run is a typical fenced in 5 x 8 area, however as my shed is raised a few feet off the ground I decided to make the underneath available to the chickens as well. My question is what is the best bedding / materials for this section. As it is covered it will be protected from the elements. But since it is under my shed it is not easy for me to get under it for cleaning, etc. My shed is really close to my neighbors who are 'reluctantly' OK with our chickens, but are worried about the potential smell. Any recommendations are greatly appreciated!

 

[1muttsfan]

It is quite hard to clean under a coop like that, and even harder to retrieve eggs layed there, or birds that can't or won't come out. I do not let my birds under my raised coop for just those reasons.

 

[JackE]

I don't put anything under there, it's just bare dirt. Don't need anything else. Rarely, do I have to crawl under there and get something. Matter of fact, in the over 6yrs since the coop has been built, I remember 2 times, I retrieved an egg from under there. The chickens use it for shade, and from what I've seen, dustbathing.

 

[Swurts]

If you're worried about it smelling and neighbors complaining, I would do builders sand. I have it all through my coop and run. I use a pitch fork with a small section of hardware mesh attached to clean. It works like a large litter scoop. Quick and easy

 

[Leigti]

Pine needles or pine shavings. Alsp toss some treats there so they scratch it around. Fresh eggs keep neighbors happy.