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[Hg612]

Hi everyone,

Needing some woodchips for my run but am so confused as to what to use. I called a local tree surgeon who said he only has conifer available, is this okay for chickens? If not, where else is an option to get suitable chippings? I've read about hardwood but I'm finding it difficult to find some. Feeling so overwhelmed with all my reading, just want to get something to make my girls happy and comfortable :(  

[Patricia W]

Conifer can harbour mould which doesn’t do them any good.  The only place I’ve managed to get hardwood is a firm called Bark U.K.  They sell hardwood chippings for chicken runs.  Problem is it’s expensive.  I think last time I had it the price was £99 for 10 bags. I’m down to the last one, but they’ve lasted nearly 2 years.  I only use them for the outside uncovered run though.  I use aubiose in the covered WIR.  

Edited February 20, 2019 by Patricia W

[Hg612]

I've heard of aubiose, how is that if it gets wet? I have a removable cover for the run but it doesn't cover all of it

[Cat tails]

Aubiose is only an option in a dry run. It will absorb water readily.

There are a few on here that use normal woodchips. Part of my run is on just slabs, the other part is dirt with slabs dug in to prevent them digging a way out.

[Patricia W]

Yes, you need a covered run for aubiouse. Well worth it as it lasts such a long time and is so easy to clean.  Just buy a clear tarp from somewhere like Tarpaflex and hold in place with a bungee or two.  Or you can use a clear shower curtain but that doesn’t last too long. 

[ajm200]

You can buy small manageable bag of hardwood chips online from flytes of fancy or specialist firms.  There is a firm that sells large bags of chicken safe Wood-chips and will deliver but they will be in big white sacks used for topsoil etc.  Can’t find the link atm.  Outa d about with poor WiFi 

[Hg612]

Thank you everyone, tree surgeon called back and said he would have hardwood available next week that is suitable for chickens so am waiting till then 😀