[snow white]

Nearly set up for the arrival of my 3 girls this weekend.  Have some woodchip, nice chunky stuff with no bark for putting onto their concrete run.  Its not cheap stuff though.  So, how often do I need to replace it?  I have tried to research it but some people change it fortnightly, monthly, six monthly.  Or do I just wait until it starts to rot down.  Intend to use a dry disinfectant on it as well to prolong its use.  Just interested in your experiences really.

[angelavdavis]

I change it every 3-4 months, usually when it has composted down!  I use Stalosan F regularly with it too and sometimes just replace the areas that are most rotted down.

[jhub]

I think it also depends upon whether or not your run is covered. I have two hens in a covered 7square meter run and only need to replace wood chip every six months- it makes a brilliant mulch for my shrub borders.

[snow white]

Its a covered run.  Spent all sunday putting a proper roof over the area so it will be mainly dry apart from when the rain is horizontal.  I have been trying to get Stalosan F but can't find a supplier near me and postage costs are horrendous.  Live near Diss in Norfolk.  Where do you get yours?

[Sassy]

Its a covered run.  Spent all sunday putting a proper roof over the area so it will be mainly dry apart from when the rain is horizontal.  I have been trying to get Stalosan F but can't find a supplier near me and postage costs are horrendous.  Live near Diss in Norfolk.  Where do you get yours?

Have you tried contacting the makers? I get mine from an agricultural suppliers I would try them. It weighs in very heavy so the postage would be astronomical!!

[angelavdavis]

My run is 2/3 covered, but it did turn into a quagmire with the recent rains.

I bought mine (25Kg bag which is still going strong!) from farmandpetplace.co.uk.  Postage was £2.99.

[kegs]

My run is 2/3 covered, but it did turn into a quagmire with the recent rains.

I bought mine (25Kg bag which is still going strong!) from farmandpetplace.co.uk.  Postage was £2.99.

What was it called because I can't find it on their site?

[loretta cluck]

Have a look in your local phone directory for tree cutting services....i did that last week, and paid £45.00 for 2 industrial sized bags of wood chippings....covered the inside of my girls' enclosed run, and also the free ranging area, (previously my lawn, that they reduced to bare earth!!)...they love it, and i only used half which was more than enough....means i can change it again before winter..

[angelavdavis]

My run is 2/3 covered, but it did turn into a quagmire with the recent rains.

I bought mine (25Kg bag which is still going strong!) from farmandpetplace.co.uk.  Postage was £2.99.

What was it called because I can't find it on their site?

Stalosan F.  It is used for all sorts of livestock, not just chickens so might not be in the poultry section.

[snow white]

Have earmarked the site - thanks.