Coop rethink

[StinkyAcres]

I'm thinking of using this pelletized bedding used for horses: https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...Zicm1zLuYq15VaQxQJ8fC5yZ3xPAcLscaAk7WEALw_wcB since I read on here somewhere that it's really good at absorbing moisture in high humidity areas . . .like southern Louisiana, lol.

The pellets might work or they might just disappear into the ground after a few rains. You can certainly try them. Aged wood chips would probably last a lot longer.

 

[redinator]

The pellets might work or they might just disappear into the ground after a few rains. You can certainly try them. Aged wood chips would probably last a lot longer.

I'll have to look into aging wood chips . . . I have a wood chipper and usually end up tossing them if I don't use them for mulch . . .is it like composting, but with just wood chips?

These damn chickens are turning me into a farmer/homesteader, lol.

 

[StinkyAcres]

I'll have to look into aging wood chips . . . I have a wood chipper and usually end up tossing them if I don't use them for mulch . . .is it like composting, but with just wood chips?

These damn chickens are turning me into a farmer/homesteader, lol.

The chips basically need to sit and dry out for a year or so before they can be used. I could be wrong, but I believe it helps to reduce mold and any other toxic stuff in the wood.

 

[redinator]

The chips basically need to sit and dry out for a year or so before they can be used. I could be wrong, but I believe it helps to reduce mold and any other toxic stuff in the wood.

Keeping them dry for a year would be an issue, lol, nothing outside escapes the humidity.

I read cedar chips are bad for chickens due to the oils or something in them, would the aged ones have the same problem? Or should I just stick to pine aged wood chips?

Edited: typo

 

[KyCoop]

Just make sure you don't have any gaps bigger than a hot dog. Usually around the door/gate and along the bottom.

With you going with the open air option you will have to put a top on it more then netting. A racoon climb up there and fall in.

You asked about pellets for your run. I use them but to do so you really have to have a roofed, dry run. So I would go with the wood chips for your setup.

 

[redinator]

Just make sure you don't have any gaps bigger than a hot dog. Usually around the door/gate and along the bottom.

With you going with the open air option you will have to put a top on it more then netting. A racoon climb up there and fall in.

You asked about pellets for your run. I use them but to do so you really have to have a roofed, dry run. So I would go with the wood chips for your setup.

The run has a tarp, if I free range I'll be using the netting in any areas that don't have good tree cover.

The gate is an area that makes me scratch my head, lol. How do I block the gap, without making gate a pain to open/close?

 

[StinkyAcres]

Keeping them dry for a year would be an issue, lol, nothing outside escapes the humidity.

I read cedar chips are bad for chickens due to the oils or something in them, would the aged ones have the same problem? Or should I just stick to pine aged wood chips?

Edited: typo

Well, as far as I know you don't have to keep it out of the rain, but you don't want it to stay constantly wet. Thinner piles dry out faster. But I think even with larger piles the top layer will usually dry out enough to be used in the run.

Yeah, I'd stick to pine. I'd think if the cedar is aged enough it would be okay, but I don't know what "enough" is.

 

[redinator]

Well, as far as I know you don't have to keep it out of the rain, but you don't want it to stay constantly wet. Thinner piles dry out faster. But I think even with larger piles the top layer will usually dry out enough to be used in the run.

Yeah, I'd stick to pine. I'd think if the cedar is aged enough it would be okay, but I don't know what "enough" is.

Thanks so much. You've answered just about every question I've been mulling over for the past week or two trying to figure out which direction to go.

 

[StinkyAcres]

With you going with the open air option you will have to put a top on it more then netting. A racoon climb up there and fall in.

I agree, it will need a more solid roof. Tarps don't last long and are not strong enough to keep out predators or hold up to wind storms.

Thanks so much. You've answered just about every question I've been mulling over for the past week or two trying to figure out which direction to go.

No problem! I wish you all the best with your flock!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Keeping them dry for a year would be an issue, lol, nothing outside escapes the humidity.

I read cedar chips are bad for chickens due to the oils or something in them, would the aged ones have the same problem?

Chips don't need to be aged that long - I age them for a long time but that's because I don't have much other use for them so a pile will sit for years. If you can only age for a month then I'd skim off surface chips (since those will be most aired out) for use.

You'd need to clarify what cedar, specifically. Not all cedars are the same. I use cedar chips (Western red cedar) without issue as we have a lot of cedar in the area.