divinggatita Posted March 6, 2007 Share Posted March 6, 2007 I am busy making most of my garden into a chicken fortress after losing both our girls to the neighbours dog when it broke into our garden a month ago (They still haven't appologised). Then we are hopefully getting some rescue girls! I have decided to build a permanent area for the eglu and want to use bark over the soil. The last time i used bark in the garden from B & Q I remember it stank for weeks almost as badly as manure. Is this still the case or was I unlucky with my 10 bags? As the area is right by my back door and soon to be new decking area I would like a none smelly variety! Any suggestions and where to purchase nice bark from would be most appreciated. Thanks Sandy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin B Posted March 6, 2007 Share Posted March 6, 2007 I wouldn't use bark it's not the best for this sort of job. You can buy woodchip from B&Q for the same sort of price and it suits this job. Bark rots, smells and needs replacing more often! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted March 6, 2007 Share Posted March 6, 2007 Well, I disagree with Martin on this one. For a walk in pen bark is great.I use mini bark as opposed to the chunky stuff as it seems easier for them to kick it about. My girls have been in a big pen with bark for over a year now & we have yet to do a full empty & replacement, but have done a couple of top-ups. They like it even more when the bark gets all thrown to the sides,exposing the earth underneath which they dig dustbaths in Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buffie Posted March 6, 2007 Share Posted March 6, 2007 Well it may depend on the size of the run but I do actually agree with Martin I've ordered wood chips from our local tree surgeon but that's useful martin about B&Q. I've used bark Sarah for the last nearly 2 years and find it pretty hopeless. I noticed Omlet now suggest wood chips. There that's confused everyone happy run making Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin B Posted March 6, 2007 Share Posted March 6, 2007 Maybe a poll is in order, can one of the mods insert one? Which do you think is the best material to use in the chicken run? Woodchip Bark Other Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buffie Posted March 6, 2007 Share Posted March 6, 2007 Added a poll martin BBx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin B Posted March 6, 2007 Share Posted March 6, 2007 Thanks Buffie! I went to vote but there is no woodchip option! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buffie Posted March 6, 2007 Share Posted March 6, 2007 It's now ok martin, bloomin' technology BBx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin B Posted March 6, 2007 Share Posted March 6, 2007 Thanks Buffie! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bronze Posted March 6, 2007 Share Posted March 6, 2007 I thought they said use woodchip not bark because of the fungus issue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chocchick Posted March 6, 2007 Share Posted March 6, 2007 I asked on Practical Poultry and the consensus was bark was damp and went mouldy and wood chips were better. About disposal they said it doesn't rot down readily, but can be taken to recycling tip and put in with the gardening waste, or used as a mulch around plants. About obtaining: "I have bought mine from local sawmills, and log merchants. Just go or phone to ask what is available. Expect to pay about £1 a bag, or for free if you're lucky!" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted March 6, 2007 Share Posted March 6, 2007 I asked on Practical Poultry and the consensus was bark was damp and went mouldy and wood chips were better. My pen has a roof - maybe thats why the bark stays in good condition for so long? What exactly is woodchip - will it have splintery bits - will it stick to wet crocs & get walked into the house -anyone got a photo? As I am emptying & re laying the pen soon,I would like to know in case its a better option for us My ideal would be Aubiose,as I really like the stuff, but it is a nightmare when you walk down the garden then into the pen with wet feet - it really sticks to your shoes.If we didn't have a walk-in pen,thats what we would use. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buffie Posted March 6, 2007 Share Posted March 6, 2007 That was the name I was trying to remember Sarah, it's like hemcore Oh what a jiggle head I am Could be why yours is in good condition, there is an issue with mold and that's another reason I want to change. BBx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin B Posted March 6, 2007 Share Posted March 6, 2007 Have you noticed that so far "Ooops, word censored!"ody has selected other. That means "Ooops, word censored!"ody was daring enough to put it on grass! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnnieP Posted March 6, 2007 Share Posted March 6, 2007 Mine is! The chooks love it, but it simply is pointless if you want nice grass! Luckily with our set up, its not a problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura & CTB Posted March 6, 2007 Share Posted March 6, 2007 My ideal would be Aubiose,as I really like the stuff, but it is a nightmare when you walk down the garden then into the pen with wet feet - it really sticks to your shoes.If we didn't have a walk-in pen,thats what we would use. [/color] That's why I have two pairs of crocs - one indoors and one out!! Just need a pair for the cat now - as she also has Aubiose in her litter tray Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buffie Posted March 6, 2007 Share Posted March 6, 2007 Yes grass is great if you have enough of it BBx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted March 6, 2007 Share Posted March 6, 2007 Hemcore/aubiose gets my vote everytime. Me and my chooks could not live without it !! it soaks up all the wet, I rarely see poo's in it and a big bale lasts for ages. Smells nice too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted March 6, 2007 Share Posted March 6, 2007 I used woodchip as it was all I could get at the time, but I wish I'd used Aubiose - I have bought some since and it's brilliant. It would also be easier to see my girls from the house if I had that, as it's a lighter colour - they don't show up too well against the woodchip! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted March 7, 2007 Share Posted March 7, 2007 (edited) Believe me,once they dig it over a bit & muddy it up it doesn't stay that colour long Edited March 7, 2007 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted March 7, 2007 Share Posted March 7, 2007 Aubiose is fab...but its true what Cinnamon says...it doesn't stay pristine for long. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chooks Aloud Posted March 7, 2007 Share Posted March 7, 2007 When we first got the chooks we used bark chippings. I now use aubious and I definitely prefer this and so do the chooks. The wood chips were slimy/mouldy/smelly and that's on opening the pack (took it straight back to the shop). We've now completed the Hen Hilton (18' x 9') walk-in run and the aubious works great. We have had torrential down pours here for weeks but the run is lovely and dry for their little feet - and they love scattering and rolling about in it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
