Solitary chicken - need advice

[Minnie&Moose]

It's time to sort out the hen run for the winter and replace the woodchip. Previously I've bought it from Flyte So Fancy and it's been great but pricey. We have a total area of about 36 square meters to cover (so approx. 20 x 70 litre bags). I did try a tree surgeon one year but had a disaster - chips were full of spores and 3 hens ended up at the emergency vet going blue in the face - all survived but I don't want to risk that again - so want something that's safe for children's play areas. Any suggestions please?

[jasperaliceuk]

These are what I've been buying. Delivery included in price.

http://www.bark-uk.co.uk/chicken-run-hard-wood-chips/chicken-run-wood-chips.html

[LottyJ1]

Your local tree surgeon will deliver some for a small price! I get 1 ton for £20

[superkitty]

I used to get it from flyte so fancy, then tried a local tree surgeon who delivered a ton of it...but I had a massive mite infestation directly after, so they must have been in the woodchip! Just unlucky probably, but I'll be going back to flyte so fancy for the next lot

[Patricia W]

The link that jasperaliceuk posted looks good. I might try that as it has free delivery.

[Mrs_B]

These are what I've been buying. Delivery included in price.

http://www.bark-uk.co.uk/chicken-run-hard-wood-chips/chicken-run-wood-chips.html

 

I've used this company too, and have been very happy with the product, delivery and customer service

 

x

[sjp]

I use horse bedding wood chip called cushion bed I pay about £4.50 for a 20kg bale it's dust free

easibed is another a similar product and might be easier to get

the trouble with woodchip from tree surgeons is you don't know what's in it or how long it's been sitting in the back of the truck We get stuff dropped at the Allotments that has all sorts in it that you wouldn't want anywhere near chucks conifer been one as that stuff starts to get really hot after a few hours so it's full of mould spores in a couple of days

[LottyJ1]

I ask my tree surgeon for hard wood chips and he only call us when he has a job with just hard wood trees. He then comes from the job to our house.

 

So some can be very good and reliable.

[welovemarmite]

Minnie we are in Oxfordshire. I just got mine from Bagforce near Brackley. The lady there is a chicken owner and recommended the best one for the chickens.

[Minnie&Moose]

Many thanks for all the recommendations - I haven't been on the forum for a little while so have only just caught up with this again. Will let you know how I get on - it's definitely time to get the hen pen sorted before it gets colder and wetter!