[slowef]

I have just put these in my outside run but they have a strong smell .  I have noticed one of the girls is sneezing and has runny eyes could this be the cause or is it coincidence?

Does anyone else use bark wood chips in there run.  I find it gets muddy in the rain so thought it would help.

[richyrich7]

I've used them before, but I always use the fresh ones dumped by our council at the lottie, Perhaps you may want to think about covering your run? I did with mine and now its usually dry all year round in there.
Birds in general are very susceptible to breathing problems associated with gases and odours etc so It might be something in the bark, but could be coincidence as you say

[Aunt Sally]

I've always used bark in my chooks run and like Richy I have the run covered so it stays dry all year round.  I find it very successful.  

If hens are kept in wet conditions, over winter for instance, they can develope foot problems.