[loretta cluck]

I'm new to the fabulous world of chicken keeping, and so a bit "trial and error".  At present i have wood chippings with bark, (£1.99 a bag at B and M's) on my enclosed run floor, straw and deep wood shavings in the coop.  The chicken's free ranging lawn has now been reduced to grass spruts and mostly bare earth.
My question is what's the best covering for the run - do i use soft or hardwood chippings, am i okay to use bark, and what is best to use on what used to be a lawn....noticed one or two puddles developing yesterday, and dont want to end up with the foot problems i've read about.
All suggestions welcome please.

[Diddy Gardener]

We had the same problem as you - lawn ended up as muddy puddles. We've covered the run in about 6 inches of hardwood chips. It looks really good and just needs a rake and a hose down every so often. It's worked for us 

[loretta cluck]

Thanks for that....can anyone recommend somewhere cheap and cheerful thats best to get them from.

[Sassy]

Bark chips are not recommended as they harbour spores that can aid respiratory problems

[jhub]

I think hardwood chips  are ok as they don't go mouldy which is the problem with softwood bark chips..
I've used hardwood chips in a covered run for over two years without problems. I rake them and use Stalosan F as a disinfectant. Every six months I replace them and use the old stuff on my flower beds as a mulch.