What material to cover bottom of run stone, traffic bond, sand mix??

[jason736]

Hi, we just finished building our 16 x 16 run. The bottom is lined with 2" x 6"s. I was wondering what material to use to cover the bottom of the run. I have heard sand, stone, gravel, ect. I am interested in using traffic bond, which is crushed lime-stone mixed with fine powder for compaction. Is the crushed stone going to be too hard on their feet?
What material do you use?
Thank You!

 

[Ridgerunner]

I'd suggest sand, especially course sand if you can get it. They love to scratch and dust bathe. The sand drains well as long as it has somewhere to drain to and does not hurt their feet. They will also use it as grit. Sharp rocks can cut their feet, potentially causing bumblefoot, an infection of the feet. I would not use the traffic bond, partly from the sharp rocks but also for the drainage. Even in that stuff, I'd expect them to dig out dust bathing holes which could hold puddles of water.

Mine is just on dirt. It is on a bit of a rise so it drains well and is partially covered so a lot of rain water does not make it onto the run. I cut a swale on the upslope side so the runoff does not make it onto the run in a real heavy rain.

Good luck!

 

[3goodeggs]

I agree. a chicken needs to scratch and dust bathe. I will fill the run with leaves so they will have something to do. they love to scatter a pile, so do not spread it for them. Mine even like to scratch up the wet ground when I dump the water.

 

[patandchickens]

See the "fix a muddy run" link in my .sig below, which despite its title actually contains much of the sort of info you're looking for

I would be skeptical of using powderlike crushed stone, although screenings or sand would be fine, because IME crushed stone tends to pack down hard and would be poor for scratching around in and tend to create drainage problems (puddles). I suppose it may vary with the particular lot of material though.

Goo dluck, have fun,

Pat