migsy Posted May 23, 2010 Share Posted May 23, 2010 Hello, I have a new Eglu Go and have decided that it needs to be kept in one place. I am wondering what the best flooring would be. I don't want to cover the run completely so it will get wet. Does anyone have any experience/advice please? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted May 23, 2010 Share Posted May 23, 2010 Not Aubiose then, that needs to be kept dry Woodchips are good, hardwiood chips if you can get them (I go to B&Q) softwood if not. Bark allegedly harbours spores so isnt recommended but from a practicla point of view it soaks up more water and gets soggy and smelly quicker anyway Bare soil will probably be ok in the summer but in the winter will not be so good Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
migsy Posted May 23, 2010 Author Share Posted May 23, 2010 Thanks! I have found some wood chips on a website called Flytes of Fancy. They sell lots of other chicken supplies too, so will order some. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted May 23, 2010 Share Posted May 23, 2010 Just wondering why you're not keen to cover the run? you can use clear material like corrugated plastic sheets if you think a cover makes it too dark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
migsy Posted May 23, 2010 Author Share Posted May 23, 2010 The run is partly covered by an Omlet summer shade. Because it is an Eglu Go it does not have a flat top and I think it would be difficult to cover well and I want it to look tidy as I have a very small urban garden. I might cover it in the winter with one of the Omlet winter covers though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted May 23, 2010 Share Posted May 23, 2010 I think the corrugated plastic would fit on any long narrow run - it's very flexible. This was my old setup . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
migsy Posted May 23, 2010 Author Share Posted May 23, 2010 Wow! That looks really neat. Is it better to be covered then? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted May 23, 2010 Share Posted May 23, 2010 If you want their bedding to stay dry, yes, definitely . Soggy bedding + poos = stinky mess . I really recommend Easibed, Hemcore or Aubiose - they all work really well (and compost brilliantly too) . You can easily take the plastic off in the summer or just put a sun shade over it if it gets hot (or double the sheets up so just the very top is covered but there's plenty of ventilation). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unit Posted May 24, 2010 Share Posted May 24, 2010 We're unlikely to be able to move the run around, as we're also cultivating veg around the garden and need a little space for us to sit too... We were going to use bark chips as grounding for the run, with a view to changing it regularly - composting the old. I hadn't read anything about 'auboise' so will have a look into what it is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CR666 Posted May 24, 2010 Share Posted May 24, 2010 Hi, I am new to keeping chickens, only got my 3 girls last week, and I am trying to decide where/how to site the run, at the moment it is on the lawn but because we are keeping the girls in all day at present we are having to move the run every day to clean up. I have seen the pictures on this website, and particularly intrigued by the idea of covering with corrugated plastic, but I have one question about that picture, what is the shielding around the foot of the run for?. I will be watching the thread for advice on the best type of flooring, any help greatly appreciated. ps. 1st egg arrived on the same evening we fetched girls, and 1 egg has arrived every day since. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
migsy Posted May 24, 2010 Author Share Posted May 24, 2010 I assume the shielding is to keep the lose flooring in. Lucky you - eggs already! I'm still waiting for mine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted May 24, 2010 Share Posted May 24, 2010 Quite right . You'll soon find out how far a chicken can kick bedding . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scarlettohara Posted May 27, 2010 Share Posted May 27, 2010 Quite right . You'll soon find out how far a chicken can kick bedding . I have spent this afternoon moving my cube to it's permanent site as I have hardly any grass left (and it's a big lawn) even with moving it around I put lawn edging around the inside and then bedmax on top - it looked lovely - for abut 5 minutes They have kicked loads out so will be going for plan B which I think is what Ain't "Ooops, word censored!"ody Here used - rotary washing line covers, the edging was only cheap from wilko and can use it somewhere else Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
migsy Posted May 29, 2010 Author Share Posted May 29, 2010 I've had my run on a thick layer of hardwood chips for 5 days now. It seems much cleaner than having it on the grass and the hens like it as they can scratch and forage in it. I give it a rake everyday. So far so good! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scarlettohara Posted May 29, 2010 Share Posted May 29, 2010 (edited) Yes I rake too and the rotary covers are keeping it inside now - they do seem to love digging and kicking it around I haven't needed to poo pick yet either As my cube is red I have just bought this from ebay to keep my bedmax dry http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/RED-TARPAULIN-GROUNDSHEET-TARP-COVER-SHEET-1-8M-X-3-8M-/120472476508?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item1c0cb81b5c Edited May 30, 2010 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
migsy Posted May 29, 2010 Author Share Posted May 29, 2010 I haven't had to poo pick yet either. The poo seems to disappear into the wood chip. I want to get some Stalosan to sprinkle through it though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
