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Hi there, I am a newbie, and I have a coop and run for 2 hybrid hens and although I have read various books, I am still not sure what to floor my run with for cleanliness, at the moment it is sat on dirt with fine gravel, would I be better slabbing it please advise

I have semi slab so it is easy to clean but i left some dirt so they can dig around it and dust bath in it
Hope this helps :)

I have slabbed mine but still put bark down gives them some thing to scratch in and easier to clean thinking of putting in rubber chippings heard they are quiet good just hose them off to clean them no nead to change the chippings.

hi mine like some dirt and part grass hop this helps

Hi,
I have the same question really, at the moment mine are on soil. But with all the rain its just getting so boggy. I have the coop sitting on concrete but i was thinking about putting some bark down for the run. Is this a good idea? How often is that outdoor run section supposed to be cleaned? and how!?
I now only have two bantams that ive only had since may.

hi chicklover,

I have bark in my duck run and when it rains it still gets really muddy and the bark sinks in the mud. It depends on the cleaning the outdoor run. If u let your chickens out the run a lot it shouldnt need cleaning.
HOpe this helps

Matt :P

I have all the coops and edges of the runs sitting on half slabs with one slab under the coop to put food and water on. We dug out the centre of the run, put soft sand down (about 3inches) and then pea gravel. When it rains, the water just soaks thru and I just rake the gravel over lightly once a week or so to remove droppings that are on the surface and fill in holes - 2 minutes work!! It means the chickens can still dig and have sand baths or sunbathe.