Want to replace sand in run with something else.

[Kluckners]

Our run started like this: A few inches of sand on top of a few inches of crushed rock, on top of hardware cloth, on top of more crushed rock, on top of dirt.

The sand was great for awhile, but now it's all mixed with the top later of crushed rock. Other than that, it seems fine, but the sand level keeps getting lower and lower.

I'm thinking about putting something else on top of the mixed sand/rock, like pine shavings, or wood chips. Would those be good? How often would I need to replace or top up the shaving or chips? Is them getting wet a problem? So far the sand has stayed pretty dry.

Any other ideas/suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[Sasha-chickens]

Our run started like this: A few inches of sand on top of a few inches of crushed rock, on top of hardware cloth, on top of more crushed rock, on top of dirt.

The sand was great for awhile, but now it's all mixed with the top later of crushed rock. Other than that, it seems fine, but the sand level keeps getting lower and lower.

I'm thinking about putting something else on top of the mixed sand/rock, like pine shavings, or wood chips. Would those be good? How often would I need to replace or top up the shaving or chips? Is them getting wet a problem? So far the sand has stayed pretty dry.

Any other ideas/suggestions?

Thanks!

I wouldn't suggest wood chips because it is hard to clean up. Maybe some mulch.

 

[Folly's place]

Where are you? Is your run roofed, and does it drain well after rain or snow? Do you get snow?
Sand will always sift into the crushed rock, and that's not really a bad thing, as long as you plan to use something with better footing on top. Bagged shavings, wood chips (not straight black walnut!), weeds, dried leaves and grass clippings, all can work into mulch over time, and give the chickens things to do.
Mary

 

[Kluckners]

Where are you? Is your run roofed, and does it drain well after rain or snow? Do you get snow?
Sand will always sift into the crushed rock, and that's not really a bad thing, as long as you plan to use something with better footing on top. Bagged shavings, wood chips (not straight black walnut!), weeds, dried leaves and grass clippings, all can work into mulch over time, and give the chickens things to do.
Mary

Seattle. So, very wet, not much snow if any. The run is fully covered with a roof, and is really only fully exposed on two sides, the other two sides sit against a fence. With the rain we've had so far since we built the coop/run, it has stayed very dry inside the run. Very good drainage.

If I do pine shavings, do I just put a layer of that down and keep adding more over time? Would I ever want to clear the whole thing out?

 

[Folly's place]

Sounds good to me! Add stuff as needed, and see how it works out there. The chickens love digging around in the bedding, mixing it up, finding worms and bugs, and turning it over often.
I'd start with at least three inches?
Mary

 

[Kluckners]

Thank you!