Woodchips?

[Riocotesei]

I wanted to know if putting wood chips is safe to have in my chicken run. When it rains, it gets really muddy like puddles of goop. My other idea is sand. I know I can get free woodchips from our county. FYI its not like shavings it's like the stuff you put in flowerbeds.
Thanks

 

[Ladysonja]

Hi -

I had large bits of wood chips in my brooder box.

When I cleaned it out after a week of use, I found bits of mold starting around where the water was...

I think wood chips are best used when the area is dry, but not in possibly wet areas... Reminds me of hay or straw situations... it can mold up easily.

I'm sure other, more experienced BYC'rs will comment, but I would say no... Just from the brooder box experience.

DH & I decided to use sand for the run and I must say that I am very pleased with the use of the sand.

It drys up any wet spots and easy to clean up.

 

[Riocotesei]

It doesn't rain a whole lot here, but when it rains, it RAINS so thats why i'm not sure.

 

[Sylvie]

This is an excellent question! I was thinking of loading up on the free mulch that my township offers for my run,too. Now I think I'll use sand for the run and maybe mulch the path I walk to the coop instead.
Also our mulch is made from brush and trimmings that residents drop off and could contain pesticides, herbicides, poison ivy and who knows what else.