[feathered friends]

Hi all, has anyone used  shingle in their run?  I'm new to keeping chickens so I'm a bit confused. My garden is low maintenace and apart from a patio and 3 flower beds it is covered in cotswold stone.  I have read different advice on various sites, and placing pea shingle on top of slabs sounds the easiest to keep clean.

Your thoughts would be appreciated.

[joyfull]

not sure as it could possibly hurt their feet which may lead to bumblefooot 

[ANHBUC]

I would have thought that it would be a nightmare to keep clean.  You wouldn't be able to poo pick without half of the shingle sticking to it.  If you tried to hose clean the poo would just go in between the shingle so you would have a layer of poo on the slabs with the shingle sat on the top.   

[feathered friends]

Thank you, what would you suggest?

[helens-hens]

Our hens have a covered run which is on top of concrete patio slabs, these are then covered with easibed (a horse bedding derived from wood) or similar, some owners use wood chip.

The bedding is easy to poo pick and every now and again we dispose of all of it and have the opportunity to give the slabs a good clean with disinfectant so it is easy to keep clean.

Is your run covered?

[ehs284]

Think shingle too small, but we use 20mm gravel which looks fine and is easy to look after. No problem with their feet, but don't stand near them when they decide to use it for dustbathing.

[Casey76]

If your run is completely covered and sheltered from the wind, then horse bedding (easybed/cosybed or aubiose) would be good.  It is very low maintenance, easy to poo pick, or muck out completely; composts readily, and if maintained well doesn't smell.

[feathered friends]

Thanks  all, lots of good advice.  (So pleased I found this site)  You have given me lots to think about, I was getting a bit confussed.  Going to check out local pet shops this weekend to   see what bedding etc they stock, and then sit down and decide what I'm going to use.

I'm having three ex batt hens, but I have to wait to  the end of Feb before they are ready to be homed. Can't wait!!!!

Thanks again, your help is much appreciated!

[ANHBUC]

Pet shops are really expensive compared with the Farm supply type shops for feed, bedding and all your other poultry needs.  Our local ones are Millbry Hill and Green Farm Health, sure there will be something similar where you are.  I find them really helpful as all of the staff are really interested in animals. 

[Sassy]

Pet shops are really expensive compared with the Farm supply type shops for feed, bedding and all your other poultry needs.  Our local ones are Millbry Hill and Green Farm Health, sure there will be something similar where you are.  I find them really helpful as all of the staff are really interested in animals. 

Agree pet shops will be extortionate usually because they sell items in very small quantities. Definitely use a horsey/farm shop.

[feathered friends]

Thanks, I have found somewhere that stocks animals feed's, bedding etc, and they also sell Ex Batt food which I need.  Going in on Saturday with a shopping list!