What's best to cover grass in a coop for 5 week old chicks

[GypsiLinz]

Hey.. so I have seven 5 week old chicks . They are too big for the brooder box during the day now, so I have been putting them outside in the coop ( its fully enclosed, from top to bottom) and bringing them back in at night. I live in Australia and the temperature has been 24°. (75f)
Just wondering how to clean the grass from poop. Being that there is 7 of them, it's building up fast should I lay hay down or grass clippings?
I'm new to it all so all the help would be appreciated. Thank you

 

[RollTideChicken]

I keep wheat straw in my brooder but hay would be fine I'd imagine.
But I'm wondering if you have to bring them back in at night still? How cold is it getting at night and have your birds developed their adult feathers yet?
You guys are heading into Summer, right?

 

[GypsiLinz]

I keep wheat straw in my brooder but hay would be fine I'd imagine.
But I'm wondering if you have to bring them back in at night still? How cold is it getting at night and have your birds developed their adult feathers yet?
You guys are heading into Summer, right?

It's still dropping down to around 9° (48f) so too cool to leave them outside. The have feathers but not fully covered just yet. Hoping in the next week or two. Kinda nervous about leaving them outside haha... I'm such a sook

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC. I find that a 10 cm layer of dried grass clippings works very well. Just rake it over once a day - job done.

Here's a link to your country thread, should you wish to drop by - Aussie Thread

Best wishes
Pork Pie

 

[Mimi13]

I always kept the “fine flake” pine shavings from TSC in my brooder. I would think using those over the grass would work as well. You could just put a glove on and spot pick the worst poop areas. It won’t take long though for that grass to become dirt. The little boogers are magicians. They can turn anything pretty and green into plain dirt in no time at all. Good luck with your babies.

 

[rjohns39]

Hi and welcome to BYC We're so happy you've decided to join us
Do a search on Deep Litter Method. Tons of info there...

 

[DobieLover]

Hi and welcome to BYC!
I agree with @rjohns39. You should implement DLM.
I permanently moved my chicks to the coop at 5.5 weeks old. I just turned a heat lamp on for them at night if it was going to be too cold for them. They did great and loved the extra space to run around and practice flying.

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

Welcome to our FUN-omenal Flock!

 

[007Sean]

Howdy Welcome to Backyard Chickens.

Thanks for joining us!

 

[Kiki]

Welcome to BYC!
We are glad you joined our flock!
Deep litter method is the way to go.
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