The Poultry Keeper

Lisa · Posted: Mon May 09, 2005 6:54 am Post subject: When to change straw in run?

I've tried putting straw on the (mud) floor of the chickens' run and it has been a big success for me. The chooks absolutely love scratching through it. I think it encourages creepy crawlies underneath for them too. And this extra "distraction" has helped make the introduction of my two new birds a few weeks ago go very smoothly. The older chickens seem much happier too (quieter).

Its over a fairly large area (30' long, 6' one end, 12' the other) and there are only 5 chickens.

The question is.... when to change it?

Any ideas?

Deb_Moderator · Joined: 13 Apr 2005 Posts: 3661

I would change it when it starts to break down a bit, or get too wet from the rain....i.e., it won't let the earth dry out underneath and the girls won't have a dry place to relax. Wet, breaking down, straw will get an odor to it....(yup, speaking from experience here)....when you smell the odor, molds and mildews are starting to form, then the girls are not in the best environment that they can be.