[Ma Lowe]

Hi,
We are in the middle of sorting the play bark on the chicken run floor tonight while they are in bed.

We have opened the first bag and it is wet and looks mouldy and smells.

Is this ok to use?

[poultrygeist]

If it were me, I'd spread it out in the run and let it have a good airing. I would imagine that the mould is only there due to it being kept in he plastic bag and won't survive once out in the open.

You could maybe hose it down thoroughly to wash any mould off.

ROb

[Aunt Sally]

If you can remove the mouldy portions the rest should be ok when it dries out in the run (presuming the run is covered).

[Ma Lowe]

Many Thanks both

It is what we thought of doing but just wanted some reassurance.

The run is all covered so should be ok.

[nzdunn]

i actually bought some of that play bark yesterday aswell, same as yours, weighs a tonne doesnt it, ive just dumped mine in the corner of the garden and spread it under a bush, it was well messy when i opened it, very wet, must just sweat in the bag, it will be fine though once youve pushed it all out or the chooks have dug it about.  nickyx

[Aunt Sally]

It gets wet because there are small holes in the bag and it is usually stored out in the open - in the rain 

[Ma Lowe]

Thank you all.

I panicked and thought we couldn't use it.
Anyway here is a few photos of the run with the bark down.


We finally finished fencing the hedge off so the girls could free range in the garden.
I think they thought all their birthdays had come together lol They really enjoyed pecking the grass and sraping through the soil.

[noshed]

I'm thinking of moving in.

[Aunt Sally]

That is terrific Ma.  What lucky chooks,  let's hope that thank you with lots of lovely eggs 

[nzdunn]

looks absoutely fantastic, lucky girls, the bark when put down does look the part doesnt it.  nickyx

[Foxy]

Really lovely run! Lucky chooks!

[poultrygeist]

I'm fed up now. 

Every run that gets posted up makes mine look tattier and tattier and I want a nice run like you've got. Any chance of a swap ? 

Beautifully made Ma. Well done to you both. 

Rob

[Ma Lowe]

Aww Rob just think give it a few months and all that hard work will probablly result in it looking tatty anyway lol.

Thank you for the lovley comments on the run I CAN'T GET HUBBY'S HEAD OUT THE DOOR NOW!!!!!

[oborne27]

I am the manager of a garden centre and we sell play bark. Its a problem at this time of year as it sits in bags and the early sun gets on it, the mould is only natural decomposition and has no harmful properties to the chooks.
Mine are on paly bark and they love it.