Wood chips in run, will it hurt their feet? Splinters etc?

[dbounds10]

I see lots of folks using wood chips in the dirt runs. I worry about splinters and bumble foot issues. Anyone have that issue?

 

[DobieLover]

Nearly 5 years now and no issues.

 

[David61]

In 3.8 years of wood chip run, no bubble foot in my flock so ....

 

[rosemarythyme]

Only birds with bumblefoot issues in my flock are the heaviest ones, likely from impact coming off the roosts. It's a minor issue so I haven't lowered roosts yet. I have wood chips in both coop and run. Without them adding drainage and aeration, my run would be a mud pit.

 

[Sueby]

6 years with wood chips & no feet issues here!

 

[Shadrach]

6 years with wood chips & no feet issues here!View attachment 3453687

What make of fencing is the green fence?

 

[TooCheep]

6 years with wood chips & no feet issues here!View attachment 3453687

Love it! Don't spread out the chips. That is chicken work!

What make of fencing is the green fence?

Those are T-posts which are used to hold up various types of wire fencing. You can find them at most hardware or farming stores.

 

[Sueby]

Yes, those are 8 foot tall t posts, pounded in to be 6 feet tall. I got them at Tractor Supply, they are made by Franklin Industries. (Not sure what you have over there, but here is the link https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/franklin-industries-studded-t-post-8-ft125-lb-per-foot )

I did a little work spreading the pile, but I didn’t take away all their fun, they worked on that pile for 6 months!

 

[TooCheep]

6 years with wood chips & no feet issues here!View attachment 3453687

You probably are aware, but for any who aren't: When you use wood chips like this, it breaks down over time and becomes very rich, fertile soil. It isn't a quick process, but I'm at a point where I dig into my chip area each spring, run it through a soil sifter and take the rich organic soil and top off my raised beds and add around my berry plants.

An excellent way to create rich organic material for your gardens. After 6 years, I'm sure you have some excellent material to work with.

 

[Rednblack123]

Do any of you have ducks in your coop? Will the woods chips hurt ducks feet?