[zoeadh]

I have been given some advice about what to put down inside our electric fence to try to keep the area clean and hygenic. Where there was grass 3 months ago, there is just mud now. Hardwood chips, hempcore and paving slabs have all be suggested. How deep should the chips or hempcore be? I know this is going to sound stupid but how do you poo pick in wood chips? At the moment I attempt this task weekly but it gets awefully mucky and trod in.

[helens-hens]

Stuff like hemcore, easibed etc are in my opinion easier to poo pick than wood chips. They are a bit like short, fine straw and are pale in colour (so the poo stands out) and they are absorbant. I use paving slabs under the bedding so it doesn't get trodden into the earth below but I guess if you put a thick enough layer this shouldn't be a problem.

[zoeadh]

And it's ok to use outside, uncovered?

[Tigerwren]

I wouldn't use it in an uncovered area as it is very absorbent and will act like a sponge I would think.  You could try leaves and some weathered wood chips and then if possible, maybe cover a small area if it is too difficult to cover the whole thing.  I use Hemcore in my coop and poo pick that which as Helens-Hens said is easy because the poo sticks to it and I can then just lift the dirty bits.  But for a full run which isn't covered I think it might just absorb all the rain/ snow and end up a mess.  Good luck

[jinty1911]

Our chicks free range in garden all day.  It's mainly slabs and I  go out every day after work an poo pick but after all the snow and ice we've had couldnt do much in the last 2 weeks.  It has thawed today and OMG what a mess!!!  I had to go out shopping and by he time I got back hubby had cleaned it all up.  Bless  :happy:  :happy: WOW can it pile up.
Jinty

[daisy1990]

I would agree Hemcore wont be useful for uncovered area (it also rots down quickly, which is an advantage if composting but not in the situation you describe)  Our local riding stables have what looks like recycled rubber in their outdoor area and horse muck easily washes through/ picks up- I wonder if that might be suitable but no idea if you can buy small amounts

[kfoxey]

yes i also have the lovely prob with the poo. i try and do it every day but some people say its doesnt need it, surely if we dont then diseases will occur? a few peop have suggested hard wood chips that you can spray down when soiled, but i am concerned bacteria and all sorts will be left behind> any suggestions?

[TeaPots]

I sprinkle with Stalosan - F  once a week to avoid bacteria problems, especially around the feeder and waterers. I swear by the stuff 

[kfoxey]

eggcellent tea pots, so do i still need to poo pick? i have just this week invested in stalosan as everyone raves about it

[Pol]

In my out door run I have pea shingle, I pick the hard poo off daily and once a week I just hose it down the poo washes to the bottom and when it rains it does it for you  :happy: Pol