Gravel or alternative as base for chicken run?

[Widgeon]

We are currently building a chicken run at the back of the garden; it will be attached to an existing shed where I'm planning to use sand as inside litter (I know there are difference schools of thought on this!).

However the outdoor run is being built on top of an existing leveled area that was previously used for a greenhouse or similar structure. There is a brick lip that we're building the timber run inside of. Construction of the run itself is pretty simple - chunky timbers and thick mesh.

The outside run area is currently covered in a thick layer of gravel - the type you'd get on a drive. Below that is a fabric membrane of some kind. My question is, should we pull all this up? Or can we put something on top of it for the chickens to scratch around in? Will they eat the gravel? I'd like to think not but I know you should never overestimate the intelligence of chickens.

Any thoughts and suggestions much appreciated, particularly if they're cheap and / or long lasting!

 

[Leo Walker]

Mine have slate over a membrane and they love it. Bugs and creepy crawlies live in it and they spend most of the time rooting about in it. Gravel will be fine so leave it be

 

[Widgeon]

Mine have slate over a membrane and they love it. Bugs and creepy crawlies live in it and they spend most of the time rooting about in it. Gravel will be fine so leave it be

Thank you! That's really good to hear. I'm normally pretty pragmatic with the horse and dog but being completely new to chickens I had horrible visions of them eating gravel or turning it into a great big pooey mess. I will leave it be

 

[Errin Paddywack]

Gravel won't be much different to grit apart from bigger pieces and they need grit to help with digestion.