[BigMark]

Hi all
Well as mentioned on previous posts I have now lined and laid down rubber chips in the run. Initial impressions are that the ladies LOVE to dig and peck in it and it should be a piece of cake to keep clean. I have built a PVC frame under the chips that has the weed membrane stretched across so when needed I can lift the run off and wash down the whole floor.
Intrested to know what you think
BEFORE


The frame with fabric


AFTER

[Aunt Sally]

That looks good and I'll be very interested to hear how it performs !

I'm considering using this in my new run when we build it a month or so's time.

[8doubles]

Are the rubber chips shredded car tyres ? I`m just wondering as a few years ago car tyres were used to make artificial marine reefs but they stopped doing it (as far as i know) because toxic chemicals were leaching out and damaging the ecology.

[BigMark]

They are recycled, but from what I dont know, dont look like tyres but then they are shreaded

[Rubellite]

Hi Mark. I've got an ark like that. Do you think that your girls seem to get enough exercise and manage to stretch their wings ok? I keep looking at my ark and thinking it seems a little cramped thus it is sitting painted, disinfected and very empty

[Yolky]

Let us know how this works out for you.
We got some rubber mulch from Homebase the other day (reduced to £2.70 a bag, and good job really in our 2mx4m run we needed loads) and so will be putting that down in a few weeks.

[BigMark]

Hi Mark. I've got an ark like that. Do you think that your girls seem to get enough exercise and manage to stretch their wings ok? I keep looking at my ark and thinking it seems a little cramped thus it is sitting painted, disinfected and very empty

I think with 3 ladies its about as full as I would want (my arc is 4-5 hen size?? not for me!)
I will be getting some builders mesh and rolling out tempory pens for them to run around in. I dont think arcs give enough room on there own.

Will let everyone know how it goes, went out tothe ladies this morning and the rain has washed the "wet stuff" down, self cleaning ha ha ha

[wack]

What a good idea! Our chickens are kept in our old stables now the horses have gone, they have a concrete base with rubber matting over, then straw on top. In the day though they are lucky and have a small paddock to range over.

[Rubellite]

I think with 3 ladies its about as full as I would want (my arc is 4-5 hen size?? not for me!)
I will be getting some builders mesh and rolling out tempory pens for them to run around in. I dont think arcs give enough room on there own.

Yes, I think they're a bit optimistic suggesting 4/5 hens  suppose it depends on the breed