What to put in new run ?

[Hivoltage]

We just fenced in a 12 x 24 run, attached to a secure coop. Right now it is a mixture of snow and dirt from the fence installers, who are just finishing up. Chickens get out tomorrow. What should I get in the run to start a good base. I was thinking dumping in 3 or 4 bags of pine chips from TSC for starters. Then add some woodsy type stuff this spring, leaves, pine cones, sticks and stuff. Suggestions appreciated!!

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

I like to mix topsoil, pine shavings, & leaves in my run for the chickens to scratch around in.

 

[Gray Farms]

Small gravel or mulch, you want something that drains good.

 

[AaronandAlice]

I'm new to chickens and have already managed to accomplish one catastrophe. Anyone can correct me if I'm wrong- but pine is the preferred wood chip bedding for chickens? There are some woods (cedar for one), and mulches that can be toxic. I've heard some people use straw as well, but you'd have to clean it out quite often as I think it can get moldy.

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

Yup pine shavings don’t get packed down like straw will when used for bedding.

 

[Gray Farms]

Straw will hold water and get moldy, its a no no for an outdoor run. I like to use Cyprus mulch but its kinda expensive.

 

[blackdog043]

Shavings will be good to get you started. If you can find some bigger branches or twigs now, it would be good. I would also get a couple bags of natural pine bark nuggets to add, for bigger pieces, until you can add the other stuff. If it gets real wet with just shavings, it might be a soggy mess.

 

[Hivoltage]

Luckily its on a slope and does not get muddy.....but the chickens havnt been in it yet!

 

[lazy gardener]

Straw and hay are perfectly fine to use in DLM in the run. No issues with mold. What they will do is break down into a nice compost. You can also add wood chips, spent coop litter, dry leaves, grass clippings. garden debris. Your limiting factor is going to be: What is available to you in the winter?

 

[Mr Pink]

Someone needs to enlighten me on the "mold " issue .... I constantly hear concerns about mold in DL ... I hear about lots of chickens dying from predators a few from disease , some from coops burning down but in the short time i've been on this board I've yet to see a story about mold killing chickens ! NOT saying it's not possible but compared to the laundry list of chicken death causes it almost seems to me a NON issue.

Has anyone here had chicken deaths directly related to mold ?