Laura&Sean Posted August 12, 2008 Share Posted August 12, 2008 Does everyone use either wood chippings or hemcore? Is it possible to use gravel or stone if the hens free-range everyday? Thanks and apologies if it's a really silly question, it's just that with this torrential rain my poor chickens are covered in mud and the run is like a swamp, surely this cannot be healthy? I was wondering if I could use something like big slate chips and hose down the poo every few days.? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandychick Posted August 12, 2008 Share Posted August 12, 2008 What sort of run do you have......is it possible to put a cover on it to keep the hemcore dry? Otherwise maybe have half gravel and half hemcore so they can still do some scratching about but have a less muddy bit too! Mine have a cover on the run so that bit is dry. But they love to splodge about in the muddy stuff outside the run. I can only conclude that they don't mind it..........they look as happy as pigs in muck really Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrsm_jones Posted August 12, 2008 Share Posted August 12, 2008 I know another member here has stone chippings in her run. As far as I can remember, she said it was really easy to clean, and she just power hosed it down every so often (I don't know how often). Have a look at her run in the Run Inspiration page.( Her run looks really good ) Maybe PM her to ask as she is a very friendly lady and I'm sure won't mind you asking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted August 12, 2008 Share Posted August 12, 2008 I do use hemcore but have to keep it dry. I have 2 sheets of corrugated plastic which work really well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ange1 Posted August 12, 2008 Share Posted August 12, 2008 It's me! I have large gravel in my run, but I'm afriad that I've been converted over to hemcore (with citronella) now! I'll explain, I had the gravel on a blocked paved patio, about 2-3 inches deep, now this kept them dry (the chickens) and it was easy to clean hose down every weekend but as I had bricks around the edge to keep the gravel in place the water had no where to drain! Result was about 4 to 5 weeks later a muddy/pooy mess! I think gravel would work ontop of earth, laid fairly thick but not on top of patio or block paving, hope this helps! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrsm_jones Posted August 12, 2008 Share Posted August 12, 2008 Hi, I actually meant another Ange (funnily enough! ). I'm sure you're really lovely too, but the person I was speaking about lives near me in Aberdeenshire. Also an "Ange". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrsm_jones Posted August 12, 2008 Share Posted August 12, 2008 Aha! It's just come to me! It's Rich & Ang. They are on the forum, and have a poultry protection pen from Flyte So Fancy. Looks great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hen Watch Posted August 12, 2008 Share Posted August 12, 2008 I use Auboise (same as Hemcore) in run and shower curtain over run is a must when it rains. My garden has a slight slope and gets boggy by the feeders. So I have 2 rubber mats to raise the ground a bit and Auboise on top. Pain in the neck to clean them as I have to soak them in a whole dustbin of water to get the poo off but it helps my situation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
