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Hi everyone, I'm in the process of getting ready for three ex battery hens.  My garden is mainly covered in gravel, but I do have three large flower beds (I know they won't have flowers for much longer!), and I intend to remove some of the gravel so I can place my Eglu directly onto the soil underneath.  I'm a bit confused as to what to put in the run.  After reading various information, I decided to use either bark,  play sand or hay.  I have been told by colleagues who keep chickens, that none of these are a good idea, as the bark can become mouldy when wet, and the chickens may try and eat the sand or hay and become unwell.  I'm really not sure what to do for the best.

Any help would be appreciated.

welcome to the site

Thanks all, my husband did suggest slabs, so I may go down that route.  I will let you know how I get on.  Can't wait for our new family members to arrive, unfortunately we have to wait for another month before the ex batts are ready for collection.  But at least it gives me plenty of time to make sure everthing is in place.

I have invested in a cover.  I read that ex batts tend to sit in the rain instead of taking shelter.  Bless, I guess it's because their not used to getting wet.  They can also be a bit on the bald side, I'm just hoping we don't get a real cold snape, I'd hate to lose one of them.  Although I will make sure they have plenty of bedding in their house.

Another thing I was concerened about was if there were any plants that would be poisonous to them.  Are you aware of any?

Hi everyone, I'm in the process of getting ready for three ex battery hens.  My garden is mainly covered in gravel, but I do have three large flower beds (I know they won't have flowers for much longer!), and I intend to remove some of the gravel so I can place my Eglu directly onto the soil underneath.  I'm a bit confused as to what to put in the run.  After reading various information, I decided to use either bark,  play sand or hay.  I have been told by colleagues who keep chickens, that none of these are a good idea, as the bark can become mouldy when wet, and the chickens may try and eat the sand or hay and become unwell.  I'm really not sure what to do for the best.

Any help would be appreciated.

welcome to the site

Bark is a definite no-no as it harbours spores which can cause respiratory infections - this advice was recvd from a chicken vet on a hen-keeping course. Hay is food so not good for on the floor, also as it is long it can cause a blockage in their crops, I would not use it. Good luck