What do you all do for the chicken run...

[foxtrotters19]

If you were going to plant grass in your chicken run what type of grass would you plant?

I know I have read that some people use sand for the runs but what other materials can you use? Also do any of you grow herbs for you chickens?

Look for any other chicken run ideas.. show pics if you have them...

TIA

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

I deep litter in my run....its a combination of woemod chips(not shavings), yard debris, grass clippings, leaf litter, corn husks, etc.
Anything planted and not protected will be scratched to dirt by natural behavior by the birds, some use frames with wire that allow for grazing but not scratching to keep grass growing

 

[A_Fowl_Guy]

X2 on deep litter in the run and coop. I use a base of straw and throw the grass clippings in.

 

[micstrachan]

Deep litter run here, too. I still need to get wood chips, but so far it’s pine shavings, rice hulls, and sticks/twigs.

As far as growingvstuffnin the run, not a chance at my house. However, you could grow flats of a forage blend. Mine graze on a blend of grasses mixed with clover, flax, alfalfa, and field peas. I also love to throw lentils out in the forage area, as they are a pretty, dark green leafy little plant.

I have also sprouted wheat berries as a treat for them. You can do that in flats, too!

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Lots of folks grow fodder in trays that they place in the rin fir the birds.
Deep litter affords them lots of stuff to dig in/scratch through, bugs and other treats to find. Added advantage is no smell, no mud and almost no work (when I need the litter "turned" I toss on a handful of scratch and 5he birds do the work)

 

[aart]

Aged ramial wood chippings are the best base IMO for managing manure.
Can toss other stuff in there in moderation, takes some practice of observation and adjustment.