Sand under the cages??

[concreteblonde]

We get absolutely swampy during the hurricane season and we put down a couple of inches of mulch. Then the chickens poop on it, roto till it and it breaks down and then we use it on our garden and add more mulch.

What do you use as mulch?

Regular mulch, like when they cut down trees for the power lines and they grind it up in the truck.

We get a lot of it, by the truck loads FREE!

 

[mystang89]

The only thing I'd worry about with using mulch is Bumblefoot. I've let mine free range before and after they scratched the mulch a couple ended up with it. I've removed the mulch from that spot and haven't had any problems since.

Although free is a good price and bumblefoot is something that can be treated without a vet or any money so seems like a good deal for you.

 

[MamaSheepdog]

Regular mulch, like when they cut down trees for the power lines and they grind it up in the truck.

Ah, okay. Because you can also mulch with leaves, straw, newspaper, etc. I had a horrible experience with straw in my chicken coop. It mixed with the mud and made a thick compacted layer that did NOT compost, and shoveling it out was a nightmare.

Next time I see Caltrans or the power company trimming trees up here I'll have to ask if I can have the wood chips.

The only thing I'd worry about with using mulch is Bumblefoot.

Maybe the chickens wont get the mulch, but my trees and gardens will be happy!