Winter Prep - Hay on top of sand in the run?

[Svyetii]

Hey folks,

Winter has arrived here, and I’m thinking of ways to keep my enclosed run warm and entertaining for my chickens since they’ll be cooped up for longer periods. I currently use sand in the enclosed run, which I really like, but was thinking of adding a bunch of hay on top for the winter and then raking it out come spring. Does anyone else do this? My only immediate concern would be creating a more welcoming space for field mice to bed down. We’ve been battling a mouse problem recently. Beyond that, any reason I shouldn’t do it? I live in northern New Mexico, so we have limited leaf fall, otherwise I’d add leaves too.

Thanks!
Sarah

 

[nuthatched]

They chickens will enjoy kicking the hay around. The hay may attract mice but the chickens will hopefully keep the hay stirred up too much

 

[CHlCKEN]

You might do chopped (or regular) straw instead of hay. I’ve definitely preferred it.

 

[Svyetii]

You might do chopped (or regular) straw instead of hay. I’ve definitely preferred it.

Thanks! Any particular reason why you prefer straw to hay?

 

[User690263]

I've found that hay (I've used orchard grass) starts rotting sooner than straw, though that could just be because I live in a pretty rainy area.

 

[StinkyAcres]

Thanks! Any particular reason why you prefer straw to hay?

I also prefer straw over hay. Hay rots, mats, and molds more easily than straw and it often has longer, thinner strands that pose a crop impaction risk. Straw is safer, smells better than hay (to me), and it usually has leftover grains in it that the chickens love to eat.

 

[Svyetii]

I also prefer straw over hay. Hay rots, mats, and molds more easily than straw and it often has longer, thinner strands that pose a crop impaction risk. Straw is safer, smells better than hay (to me), and it usually has leftover grains in it that the chickens love to eat.

I also prefer straw over hay. Hay rots, mats, and molds more easily than straw and it often has longer, thinner strands that pose a crop impaction risk. Straw is safer, smells better than hay (to me), and it usually has leftover grains in it that the chickens love to eat.

Thanks!

 

[linguini]

woodchips! you can get free ones from tree company.

 

[Sono]

woodchips! you can get free ones from tree company.

Be careful with that as they throw everything in ( poison Ivy/oak and more ) but the main concern is TERMITES ! if the coop is next to a building or your house be very careful that you dont unintentionally bring termites to damage your home or other building structures.

 

[aart]

Be careful with that as they throw everything in ( poison Ivy/oak and more ) but the main concern is TERMITES ! if the coop is next to a building or your house be very careful that you dont unintentionally bring termites to damage your home or other building structures.

I have never heard of this being an issue.
Do you have any first hand experience with this happening?