[tracy66]

Hi everyone

We currently have our coop and run on paving slabs covered with a generous few inches of straw.
I'm not that convinced about the straw so have purchased easibed which I am going to put down instead at the weekend.
We were thinking though of getting some turf and laying it inside the run to have half turf and half easibed so our chooks have a bit of a choice! I know the turf would die after a while as it's on paving slabs but we could just replace it with more when it does.
Do you think they'd like that or best to stick with one thing in the run?

Thanks!

[helens-hens]

I think you would find that the turf would not last long anyway because of the hens. I am sure they will appreciate it but I would imagine they will peck / scratch and dig until you are just left with soil!

I still think it is a good idea for them to have access to grass - what about the occasional roll of turf as a 'treat'.

[Raven81]

I'm not saying mines the perfect set up but mine are on soil and have grass in a tub which is covered with chicken wire so they can eat it but not destroy it.

[Lindeggs]

I love the idea of a roll of turf for the chickens!  Perhaps you could adapt Raven81's system and put the turf down, then cover it with a roll of chicken wire so your chickens can peck the growing tips but not scratch right down to the roots? 

From what I've read on here, easibed seems much better than straw in the run.  But rather than remove the straw, could you mix the straw and easibed together?  That way the straw may stay fresher for longer and won't be wasted. (I haven't used either product so I hope others will comment...)