Lava Rocks?

[coolnoah]

Hello all, wife and I are just getting into prep for our future chickens. We're planning on converting our front yard to a chicken area. The area is currently (from the former owners) covered in lava rock. To the folks who know, what should we do with the lava rocks for our chickens?

We can leave it alone. Or we can put wood chips or mulch on top. Or we can remove it all and put something else down instead. We're complete neophytes so anyone who has info on this we certainly appreciate it!

 

[cavemanrich]

If the lava rock is a sharp edge version, I would remove and use it somewhere else. If it is tumbled, and not sharp,,,, then no problem with danger of cut feet.
What you want for the ground to be,,,,,, Dry,,, and nothing to cut or injure chickens' feet. They will scratch, and dig thru whatever is on the ground. Just a natural action.
WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

 

[CatWhisperer]

Lava rocks are ouchy. Remove them.

 

[aart]

I'd get rid of it, even if it is the 'smooth' variety.
Chicken poop sifting/washing down thru rocks is a recipe for stinky.

 

[Foster's Freehold]

I'd get rid of it, even if it is the 'smooth' variety.
Chicken poop sifting/washing down thru rocks is a recipe for stinky.

I agree. The only way to keep coop/small run from stinking is to use litter. Hay, straw, wood chips, grass clippings. Something that you can clean out every so often.

I use deep litter. Just keep adding to it as it breaks down. Just moved into my new coop so I'm excited to see what I have in the bottom layer of the old coop. It's been down since spring!!