emmat Posted January 16, 2008 Share Posted January 16, 2008 Does anyone put straw down in their run? I currently have my run over woodchip which is great for the chickens and keeps it all smelling and looking good. Only problem is that my chooks kick it out the side of the run and onto my lawn, which if you read my last post, you will know looks like a mud bath. The woodchips are making my lawn look worse and are killing the grass, plus they look very untidy. I was thinking of putting straw or similar down in the run to stop the chooks kicking so much out. Does anyone have any advice or experience on the straw in the run situation!? I've seen on here that some people use aubiose but that looks like small pieces so may get kicked out just like chips. Any replies appreciated Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted January 16, 2008 Share Posted January 16, 2008 we put some pieces of skirting board up the side of the outside of the run, which stops the "kicking". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robskyd Posted January 16, 2008 Share Posted January 16, 2008 Hi The majority of people will tell you to use hemcore in your run. That's what we use and its really good. It doesn't smell and seems to soak up all the poop. We clean the run out once a month and put fresh hemcore down once a fortnight. This wont help with it being kicked around the garden as its smaller pieces than woodchip but your chooks will love scratching around in it!! We get ours from the local horse supplies shop. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emmat Posted January 16, 2008 Author Share Posted January 16, 2008 I think perhaps putting a border up might be the answer - or fencing the run in with something high enough to catch the kick backs but low enough to give them a view! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robskyd Posted January 16, 2008 Share Posted January 16, 2008 I bet you could buy sheets of perpex cut to size and drilled so you could use that... I feel a business opportunity coming on!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenanne Posted January 16, 2008 Share Posted January 16, 2008 I've heard normal straw (as opposed to chopped straw) isn't a great idea as it can get wrapped around the chickens' feet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janty Posted January 16, 2008 Share Posted January 16, 2008 I have railway sleepers around the edge of my run. This looks neat and prevents the aubiose and woodchips from being sread everywhere. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted January 16, 2008 Share Posted January 16, 2008 Definitely get hemcore - but, yes, you'll need "kicking it out protection" . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
