Is your dog's unusual barking a secret code for something mysterious?

[lucyandlola]

Hi, my run is part slabs part decking with play bark but it is quite hard and my chickens have cuts on their feet. Any ideas what I can use instead? Would sand be ok and would it have to be play sand if its ok? Thanks need to sort it asap

[lucyandlola]

anyone???

[Egluntyne]

anyone???

 

Given the timing of your two posts, I expect that most people were in bed.

 

There are lots of threads on the forum re this type of thing.

 

The most common answer which will come up if you do a search is Aubiose, a hemp based horse bedding, which is marvellous stuff and composts beautifully. The hens love it.

 

I wouldn't use sand myself. Too claggy, and very heavy to shift when it needs changing.

 

If you do go for Aubiose, you will need a cover on the run, as it is super absorbent and will soak up every drop of rain. It does dry out pretty quickly though.

[Green Tea]

Flyte so Fancy sell rubber chippings (presumably other people sell them too!):

 

http://www.flytesofancy.co.uk/cgi-bin/sh000001.pl?REFPAGE=http%3a%2f%2fwww%2eflytesofancy%2eco%2euk%2fchickenhouses%2fHardwood_Woodchip_for_Runs%2ehtml&WD=rubber&PN=Hardwood_Woodchip_for_Runs%2ehtml%23a1_21RC10#a1_21RC10

 

- although..... rechecking - they sell them for chicken runs but then at the bottom of the page add a disclaimer saying they don't actually think they are suitable for that purpose

 

I wonder if woodchip is any kinder to feet than bark

[Henchanted]

Hello Lucyandlola

 

In my run I use Aubiose (so far- unless I can't get any more) mixed with play sand and pea gravel and even a few hardwood chips to give it a bit of weight and variety. The hens love eating the sand (I think it helps with digestion) and enjoy their self made dust baths in this mixture (I also add DE (Diatom) to their dust baths so they do their mite treatment themselves)

 

I also found that attaching a 15cm high lawn egding strip along the bottom of the run stops all the contents escaping or being blown out by the wind. The mixture is quite easy to poo pick and then compost so it keeps going for longer with top-ups rather than regular changes.

 

I love the Audiose and also use it mixed with DE in the nest box.

 

Hope that helps

[pips_pekins]

Hi. I put natural hardwood chips from b&q down at the weekend and so far no problems with feet. Mind you my girls are very small and light which might make a difference I also use aubiose which my girls love to sleep in! I think it is just a case of trying different things to see what is best for you and your bank balance!

[Margaret]

Please dont waste money on rubber chips, I spent almost £200 pounds when I first got my WIR, expensive but I thought long term...

After 6 months the soil below was stinking, Auboise for me every time.

[jennym]

Hi,

 

My new hens are currently on grass but I plan to make a permanent run so I've been doing some reading. One of the things I was surprised about was the recommended depth of bedding - I have seen many people suggest 4-5cms or even more. Did you have a nice thick layer of bark down on top of the hard surface?

 

One thing many people agree on is that bark is not the best. Everyone raves about aubiose but I'm also tempted by the rubber chips. It seems sensible in winter as rubber won't be as affected by water, and it won't freeze.

 

I still haven't decided yet as they're very happy on grass at the moment and we have the space to move the run each week.

 

Good luck with your new ladies,

Jen

[Henchanted]

Hi again

 

just a thought, you say part decking?

Given that mine scratch about all day, do you think yours might be picking up splinters?

Edited June 8, 2011 by Guest

[Sam]

anyone???

 

Given the timing of your two posts, I expect that most people were in bed.

I thought the same.

 

My run wasn't covered when I put the bedding down so used hardwood chips from B+Q. (search Bark Chips on their website, hardwood chips comes up.) The hens are always scratching about in it so I guess they like it! Now I have a roof I will try Aubiose as everyone on the forum seems to rave about it!

[lucyandlola]

Thank You everyone, sorry to be impatiant was very upset to see my hens feet.

No it was not splinters from the decking. The bark was very hard and sharp. It was sold as childrens play bark. I wouldn't want my children to have walked on it. The chickens feet were bleeding and bruised.

I have travelled to a farm shop today and bought 3 bales of Aubiose, removed the bark and replaced it with Aubiose. The chickens are a little unsure and wasn't scratching for the corn like they usually do this evening but they must think its lovely walking on the Aubiose. I have bathed their feet and treated them so I hope the will be better very soon.

Julie.