Ground cover in hen run

[Sue]

Hi
Have been experimenting with different stuff in hen run and for anyone with a covered run this might be useful.
I tried wood shavings and straw. Very expensive and not so great for quick composting. Also very wasteful when trying to poo-pick.
Then I went to Aubiose which is imported from France (can't get the English version, Hemcore) so not good for carbon footprint. And talking of footprints, every day I had to pick the "toecaps" off each of the hens, would be worrying if it dried solid. The aubiose is quite fibrous which is what caused the problem I think. It also compacted down into very solid layers very quickly which wasn't good.
Now on Megazorb which is paper based and am very pleased with this. Lumpy porridge looking it hasn't compacted down but quickly absorbs poo as they kick it around, although it's much easier to see the poo in this as the aubiose darkens very quickly and it's hard to poo-pick. Costs £7.99 for 20 kilo which should last me about 3-4 weeks. And finally in the henhouse, it doesn't stick to the eggs ( 2 bad girls laying under the perch...)
I know some of you use woodchips but at the allotment not allowed a hose to clean it down so would be difficult for me to use.

Sue

[Suechooks]

We can't use a hose at our allotment either. I put some pallet tops on the ground then put the wood chippings on that in the covered area. If it's cold or very wet or snow I also put some straw down. The pallet tops keep the ground from going muddy and are easy to lift to clean out underneath. It has worked really well for me this year as I've had double the number of hens in a large under cover area plus good sized run. Before I tried this there was mud everywhere particularly by the gate. The Megazorb sounds good. I might try that later, though have just started a bale of Hemcore.

[chicken slave]

I was just reading about rubber chippings and fancied giving them a go, they need to be washed now and again so maybe not great without a hose pipe.

[Tracey]

In my hen run I've used year old bagged autumn leaves. When I clean it out I plan to use it as a mulch on the garden.

[Snadger]

I don't think straw is a good idea unless the run is covered! I tried using it and when it's been mixed with chook poo and trampled on it becomes like a big stinking mattrass with a crust on top!

The straw I put down in the covered portion has mixed with the soil nicely where they've been dustbathing and seems to work well in this area!

[dozey1]

Hi all, i use easi-bed with straw and wodchips in the coop. lasts ages

[Eyren]

I use Hemcore, but that's in a covered run so it doesn't get too sticky and compacted - and the citronella smell is yummy!