[andy46]

as i am new to looking after chickens and have just got my new coop,its going on some slabs at the bottom of the garden. can i put some loose garden bark in the bottom to give them something to scratch about in? i have read about it books but would like advice.

[SnooziSuzi]

Yes, you can do that, they'll love scratching around in it for the bugs that will invariably colonise the bark.

You will have to do a daily poo pick (literally; you go out and pick up the poop so that it doesn't slurry the run) but you can put this straight onto your compost heap and it will do the world of good.

How big is the run you have made for them and how many chooks do you have?

[andy46]

thanks for the advice suzi i have only 2 chooks and they are kept in a cocoon coop with a run atached. it`s for 6 birds so there is plenty of room and they spend most of the day running around the garden.

[jhub]

Hello Andy and welcome to the very addictive world of chicken keeping .
When you buy a coop and attached run the suggested occupancy usually applies to the coop and not the run. 2 m square per bird is usually recommended for run area.
Enjoy your new friends.

[nerdle]

If you type into the search box you'll find loads of previous discussions.  Welcome to this glorious chickeny world!

[SnooziSuzi]

Also, they learn fast and can manipulate you into letting them out to run around on the untouched grass and before you know it you'll have put a bench outside so you can just sit and watch them instead of getting on with more important stuff like going to work and such!

[nerdle]

Thought I was the only one with a hen watching bench

[bantam novice]

   I have one too!

[andy46]

thanks guys for all the advice. i have a nice big patio to sit on and watch the chicks. hopefully the weather will be better and i can have a couple of beers to lol!!! they will mostly be running around the garden so will only be in the coop at night.

[nerdle]

That patio will be cold and hard in the winter - join the club and get a bench!

[andy46]

ok nerdle you have talked me into it, have been looking around and will invest for winter.xx

[nerdle]

Wish you lived near me - I'd pop round!

[Fiona55]

Good luck, I am relatively new to chook keeping approx 3 months - I very soon became addicted. Have fund & enjoy despite the difficulties which will inevitably occur.  Everyone on this site is very helpful

[Sassy]

Sorry about this I know it is very difficult when you get conflicting advice - wood chippings are fine but not chipped bark which will generate spores injurious to your chooks. This advice was recvd from a chicken vet (yes they do exist) on a chicken keeping course, I have also seen it discussed ion this site.

[Casey76]

Sassy is right... use wood chips not bark.

Or, something like miscanthus (elephant grass) would also work if it is under cover (also aubiose, or other horse bedding)