[crowndale]

i want to put some wood chip, bark whatever its called, bit brain dead this morning, down for my chicks (about 9 weeks old).  whats the best stuff to put down for them, or at least is there anything that is a definite no no?  they are currently in a quite small coop cum pen, perfectly adequate  but seems small to me, will be upgrading soon to something much bigger, but in the meantime they are on bare earth and with the rain recently they started to get those little mud balls on their leg feathers so i want to put something down to help prevent that.  the pen is covered, the mud formation was becoz the ground was generally so sodden all around them, not from direct rain.

[loretta cluck]

Not an expert but had the same problem myself.....initially put some sharp sand on top of the mud to absorb the sludgy bits.....had a scout round at wood chip prices, (pet shops extortionate!!)...contacted a local tree surgeon, and managed to get 2 industrial sized bags of chippings for next to nothing...the chickens love it, and plenty to scratch around in....have also used it on the lawn they destroyed in a matter of weeks.
I was strongly advised not to buy bark chippings as this stays moist and gets mould which is then a risk to the chickens...

Guessing there will be someone who can give further detail re not using bark chippings.

[crowndale]

thanks, i'll have a look around at wood chippings then.

[arugula]

You need woodchip, not bark, something like this:

http://www.bedmaxshavings.com/en

[crazychickenlady]

Hi
I use woodchips too, great for soaking up rain in the run and I use it for bedding too.
I get mine from a timber merchant/woodyard.  They charge me £7.50 for a large (compressed) bag that lasts me ages.