[Tricia]

... has meant that my hens are not laying as frequently as they had been.  I'm guessing it is to do with the poor sunlight quantity they are getting.  My main question is to do with the soggy, near soup conditions they now have in their enclosure.  They have places they can go to when it gets really bad, and places to jump up on, and I let them out into the garden for a few hours each evening for a break, but I would love to find something that might help with their conditions underfoot.  What do you think about bark chips, straw, or perhaps there is another suggestion.  Tricia

[deepinthewoods]

you could put straw or woodchip down, and theyll love it. put a good lump in and let them spread it around, i used to chuck a whole bale in and leave them to it.

[Mel]

I use wood chip or bark mulch but it all rots down,mine is the same and I do not have the patience to teach them how to row a boat

[plumseverywhere]

I put straw down. More to stop me sliding on my bum (being on a hill) but the hens do appreciate it too 

[the great composto]

I used to put straw in but found it quickly turned into a rotting smelly mess which the neighbours didnt appreciate.
Now I use wood chips from the local tree surgeon and scrape the top of the pen and compost it every 6 months - seems easierto remove and less smelly.
I appreciate this doesnt matter if your chickens are away from neighbours.