[raindogs]

Sorry if this has been covered before - couldn't see it.


I've got quite a large run for my nine girls. It's very muddy and is getting ever more so. I have access to a large pile of wood chippings from two beech trees that have been felled recently. Can anyone think of any reason this wouldn't be a great idea?


As ever, grateful for any advice.


Happy New Year!


philip

[Rupert the bear]

We've done this in the past but with a membrane down first , stops the chippings disappearing  and helps recovery when it dries up, and the grass can regrow.

[Womble]

We used bark chippings a few years with no ill effects. I did read somewhere that it can harbour dangerous mould spores or something, but TBH it worked, and the hens didn't seem to mind!

[raindogs]

Thank you, both, really helpful.


Happy New Year!

[Marches Farmer]

The bottom layer will sink into the mud, the top can be scratched over and will at least prevent so much mud getting traipsed into the coop.  If they've a dry atmosphere to roost in overnight I think it helps their general health enormously.