What should I use as flooring for my run?

[polishchickens111]

I'm building a large run for chickens (currently chicks) and I'm almost done, but can't figure out what to use for flooring. I'll be using sand inside of the coop (when they're old enough) but I was not sure as to leaving the run as dirt so they aren't bored or put sand in for ease of cleaning? My family is very busy and we have predators in our suburban neighborhood, so they will not free range as they much as they might like.

 

[ChixWrangler]

What state are you in?? Sand in the coop won't insulate very well in the coop but will work very well in the run.

We are using sand in the run and pine shavings in the coop.

 

[patandchickens]

See my 'fixing a muddy run' page (link in .sig below) for discussion of the pros and cons of different types of footing.

I don't see as sand is really any less interesting for the birds than dirt is. If you are located (coop site, and climate) where mud is never going to be a problem, then you may as well try leaving it as dirt. If however you live somewhere such that mud is likely to be an issue at some point in time, it might be smart to PROACTIVELY add sand or something similar WHILE THE DIRT IS DRY AND PACKED. (If you add sand to already-muddy soil, the sand kind of just disappears after a few months)

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[polishchickens111]

Quote:
I live in NY. The upper temperatures reach about 95 degrees, in the winter a low of maybe 10. I also was considering wood shavings for the coop, they are cheap from where I buy food for my other animals (the store does not sell chicken food) and a lot of people have recommended them.

 

[polishchickens111]

Oh and I was also wondering if sand was good for dirt bathing or if I should build an area for that?

 

[Baymen Moe]

Quote:
I use sand in my run and love it. The birds also love to dust bathe in it. Just try to keep it clean and you'll be pleased with the results. My birds pick their spots to dust in.

 

[ccar2000]

I have a dirt run.

 

[kichohana]

I have a covered run that is sand and an uncovered run that is dirt. Lately since the temps are up here (mid 90's) the girls happily dust bathe in the sand/shady run. After a good rain and the dirt's all softened up, they love digging in the dirt run. Both are easy to clean with a rake. I think I prefer the sand run tho. Seriously doubt i'll ever fill in the sun run with sand. Been pretty happy with it the way it is.

 

[hudsonhousechicks]

I use sand, about three or four inches and then cover that with rice hulls. It's great plus it makes good composting material.

 

[fargosmom]

The only thing I noticed about having a dirt run was that the poops had a tendency to cement themselves to the packed dirt, so it was actually harder to keep clean. One I added a couple of inches of sand it was much easier to clean - I sift it like a cat box and it's a piece of cake. Either way the birds can dust bathe, but the sand is cleaner in my experience.