[k4t1e195]

does anyone put bark on the floor of their chickens runs? if so is there a certain type you should use?
thank you.

[Aunt Sally]

I do.   I use play grade as it has no additives that might be toxic to chooks.

[k4t1e195]

how often do you need to change it?
if it's safe for children it should be ok then?

[Aunt Sally]

My run is covered so it all stays dry.  It therefore lasts for ages. 

I rake it all up about once a month (it's on weed suppressant fabric) I take out all the "residue" which is like fine soil and put it on the compost heap and some on the flower bed.  I then spread it out again and add fresh bark to top it up.

[k4t1e195]

thanks for that. think i will let them eat all the grass first as they seem to like digging it up and scratching at it. moved them today onto a fresh bit of grass. so they have had so much fun.

[grumpydad]

i did use bark, but now use easibed, a horse bedding, being light i found it easier to poop pick, it also breaks down in the compost quicker than bark.

again the run is covered which helps keep it dry, just add more after a few weeks of poop picking, and disinfect it weekly with virkon s when the chucks are out in the garden,

[Ma Lowe]

Like Aunt Sally we too use the play bark which we had from B&Q.
We put three or four bags of it down last october and have just added another 3 bags a week ago.

We rake it through about once a month and if like in the winter they spent more time in the run we spray with a disinfectant after raking. Chooks love it when the new stuff comes in and spend ages scratching through it.

[dizzylizzie]

I use bark too, they love it

[k4t1e195]

as i've just moved them onto a new bit of grass i will let them have some fun with that then as soon as thats no longer recognisable as grass i will start putting bark down.