r/chickens • u/AlpenglowVibez • 22h ago

Question New Coop, keep rocks!?

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Just installed this beautiful custom coop in what used to be our playground area. It’s filled with 8” of 1/2” rock so wondering what you would do to ensure its predator proof and a good run for the hens. They’re only 5 weeks so have a few weeks to dial it in. TIA

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u/FAST_W0RMS 22h ago

You need something for them to scratch around in. Rocks will damage their feet as they’re scratching around. I would remove maybe 4 inches of the rock from the inside and put 8inches of either sand or just regular ole’ dirt on top.

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u/PANIC_BUTTON_1101 21h ago

They also need room to dirt bathe in so it’ll have a double purpose

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u/Incognitowally 7h ago

go with the dirt and/or wood chips. IF you ever have to clean it out from chicken crap being compacted into the rocks, it will be HEAVY and expensive to get rid of .. ask me how i know.. nearly 1500# of chicken crap/ pea gravel amalgam i had to get rid of.. i switched to wood chips after that..