Claire Thompson
Keeping chickens in your backyard is a fun and rewarding experience, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. One of the most important considerations is the flooring of the chicken run, which needs to be clean, dry, and bacteria-free. There are various options available, including wood chips, pine shavings, sand, concrete slabs, and even grass. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice depends on factors such as the size of the run, the climate, and the level of maintenance required. In addition to flooring, accessories like roosts, hay, tree stumps, and hanging treats can make the run a fun and engaging space for your chickens.
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What You'll Learn
Wood chips or shavings
Hardwood wood chips are better than bark, which can harbour mould spores and become slushy in the rain. Softwood, such as pine, will degrade quickly and mix with the mud. Hardwood wood chips will sit on top of the ground and can withstand all types of weather. They replicate the surfaces of their ancestral roots in the jungle while remaining soft enough for the birds to scratch around in.
Some chicken owners have reported that wood chips or shavings can attract flies as they break down. They can also be messy and may need to be topped up or replaced regularly.
Overall, wood chips or shavings can be a great option for chicken runs, providing an entertaining and healthy environment for your hens.
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Sand
When using sand in a chicken run, it is important to ensure that the base has good drainage. A layer of gravel can assist with drainage. Sand can become hot underfoot during the summer, so using a mister or hosing it down can help. It is recommended to use construction-grade sand, also called all-purpose sand, which is coarse but suitable for chickens to bathe in.
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Plants
Herbs and Grasses
Herbs like sage, rosemary, oregano, and lavender can thrive in chicken runs. Chickens tend to leave these herbs alone, and they can provide aromatic benefits as well. Additionally, grasses like lemongrass, barley grass, and ironweed are excellent choices. Lemongrass provides shade and a favourite nesting place for chickens, while barley grass is highly nutritious and loved by chickens. Ironweed offers excellent three-season coverage for shade and hiding, and chickens don't usually eat it.
Fruits and Vegetables
Some fruits and vegetables that can do well in chicken runs include wild strawberries, blueberries, radishes, mustard greens, and sunflowers. Sunflowers, once sprouted, grow quickly and provide seeds that chickens enjoy. Radishes and mustard greens are fast-growing and edible for chickens.
Trees and Shrubs
Trees such as fig trees, tree roses, and butterfly bushes can provide ample shade and hiding spaces for your chickens. The butterfly bush, in particular, requires minimal watering and is left untouched by chickens. Mulberry trees are another excellent option, as chickens love the fruit and leaves, and the trees benefit from the fertiliser chickens provide. Additionally, consider planting Siberian pea shrubs, which grow quickly and have nutritious seeds and foliage for your chickens.
Perennials
If you're looking for long-lasting plants, consider perennials such as currants, gooseberries, raspberries, and plum trees. These plants have deep roots, reducing the risk of being destroyed by chickens. Comfrey is another perennial that can provide food for your chickens, but it may be eaten down to the root.
Insect-Attracting Plants
To encourage insect foraging for your chickens, consider plants like bananas and chokos, which attract insects and provide excellent shade. Banana trees, in particular, can withstand chicken foraging and provide insulation from heat and cold. Additionally, consider using wood chips, planks, or logs in your chicken run, as they provide safe spots for insects, creating additional foraging opportunities for your chickens.
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Tree stumps
When considering adding tree stumps to your chicken run, it is important to ensure that they are free from termites or other pests. Additionally, if your run has mud, the stump grindings may mix with it and create more mud. However, if your run is dry, stump grindings can be a great flooring option, similar to pine shavings.
Another factor to consider is the size and placement of the stumps. If there are areas that are inaccessible to you, your chickens may try to roost or lay eggs in places that are difficult to reach. Therefore, it is important to carefully plan the placement of the stumps to ensure that you can still properly clean and maintain the chicken run.
Furthermore, you can also add hanging toys made from leftover vegetables and string to keep your chickens entertained. These can be as simple or elaborate as you like, and your chickens will enjoy exploring and pecking at them. Overall, tree stumps can be a great natural addition to your chicken run, providing an enriching environment for your feathered friends.
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Hanging toys
One easy-to-make hanging toy is a treat-filled plastic bottle. Simply poke holes in a clean, dry plastic bottle, fill it with treats like scratch mix, mealworms, or cracked corn, and hang it in the run for your chickens to enjoy. You can also use a hanging wire basket and fill it with treats like greens, cabbage, or apple slices.
If you're feeling creative, you can make a hanging toy with an apple and a piece of string. Stab through the center of the apple with a straw or skewer, cut horizontal and vertical lines across the apple, and hang it in the run for your chickens to peck at. You can also fill a hanging suet feeder with bread, lettuce, or cabbage leaves to create a fun challenge for your chickens while keeping the treat clean.
In addition to hanging toys, you can also provide branches and stumps for your chickens to explore and perch on. These can add interest and minimize boredom and bullying among your flock. Remember to rotate toys regularly to keep your chickens engaged and stimulated.
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Frequently asked questions
Some good flooring options for a chicken run include sand, soil, pine shavings, pine pellets, pine flakes, grass, and wood chips.
It is important to consider the placement of the chicken run. For example, if it is in an area exposed to rain or snow, certain flooring options may become slippery or retain moisture. It is also important to consider the absorbency and smell of the flooring. For example, pine shavings are fine to use in a dry area but are not absorbent, which can lead to issues with humidity and excess ammonia.
In addition to flooring, you can add hanging toys, branches, stumps, and plants to your chicken run. These additions can provide entertainment, shade, and places to hide for your chickens. You can also create a dust bathing area, which is important for keeping chickens clean and free of parasites.
