What to put down in a chicken run?

[piminuse]

I also have a question about what to put in the chicken run. I'm a first time chicken owner of 5 beautiful Rhode Island Reds. The run is 10' x 8', with 4' metal roof the length of the run. 4' of the run is a slanted out from the metal roof, if you can picture it. They also have a 4' x 4' area under the coop that is enclosed on three sides. Currently there is sand in the run, and I love how easy it is to clean with a kitty litter scoop. But I live in the mountains in NE PA, so winter is coming. I've read different things about sand in winter. The sides of the run will be covered in plastic, with the door end open to the air. No moisture will get in because of the predominant direction of the wind in our location.
Will my chickens' feet be ok with the sand? I have access to a seemingly unending supply of leaves, but then I don't know how to keep the run clean. I don't know how I feel about the deep litter system. In the spring the plastic on the walls will be removed, so rain will get into a portion of the run, and I think I would like to have sand because it drains well.
I will appreciate any suggestions. Also, if anyone has had experience with sand in the run over the winter that they could share with me.

I've read that the main risk of sand + cold = freezing, and that can be damaging for birds jumping and landing. My monkey brain also wonders if extended contact with a cold surface could cause nerve damage/frost bite like symptoms. You mention having the sides portioned off--if you can keep it dry then these might not be issues.

BUT here's what the "eggsperts" have to say: Pro-sand and con-sand

 

[little blue coop]

I've read that the main risk of sand + cold = freezing, and that can be damaging for birds jumping and landing. My monkey brain also wonders if extended contact with a cold surface could cause nerve damage/frost bite like symptoms. You mention having the sides portioned off--if you can keep it dry then these might not be issues.

BUT here's what the "eggsperts" have to say: Pro-sand and con-sand

Thanks for your reply. I had read that information, and there are conflicting ideas in the pro/con camps. My chickens are so happy and healthy right now, and I hope to keep them that way.

 

[ChocolateMouse]

Deep litter wood chips all the way. I get them for free from local tree companies by the truckload and put down 6"-12" across the entire pen.

 

[noahs_flock]

@avery_pittman05 - I highly recommend sand. We use fine contractors sand that our Silkie chickens love. It dries quick (but our run is covered) and the chicks bury themselves in it. It also fine so I use a little shovel and sift the poop out monthly. I tried dirt and mulch and just wasn't a fan. Sand is much cleaner. I sprinkle some First Saturday Lime or DE in occasionally.

Hemp deep litter inside coop.

My chickens also love mulch... cant go wrong with that. I often find them in my mulch beds.

 

[Whateverlouie]

My ground is sand already here in the high desert but I use straw. Seems to be working fine.

 

[avery_pittman05]

I would recommend covering at least a portion of the run with tarp/canvas/plywood just to give them cover from sun or rain.

Deep litter is pretty popular, it's cheap and it's great for the garden. My birds love it!

Thank you so much for the help!

 

[avery_pittman05]

@avery_pittman05 - I highly recommend sand. We use fine contractors sand that our Silkie chickens love. It dries quick (but our run is covered) and the chicks bury themselves in it. It also fine so I use a little shovel and sift the poop out monthly. I tried dirt and mulch and just wasn't a fan. Sand is much cleaner. I sprinkle some First Saturday Lime or DE in occasionally.

Hemp deep litter inside coop.

My chickens also love mulch... cant go wrong with that. I often find them in my mulch beds.

Thank you! I’m also a silkie owner