Rubber chippings/pellets?

[Cab]

Anyone used rubber pellets in the outdoor run?

Some of my hens LOVE mud, so I won't deprive them of outdoor wet areas entirely, but I'd like to cover part of the open area with something a little less soggy. They've got the covered are area too of course.

Pondering on putting some mesh down and then rubber chippings. Seen them advertised, never seen them in the flesh in a chicken run.

Any opinions?

 

[Marigold]

I used to use them and they were fine at first, as any new bedding would be. However in the end I went off them big time, for the reasons I explained in this post http://poultrykeeperforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=7220&p=42549&hilit=Rubber+chippings#p42549

 

[chrismahon]

I've always been worried about strands of high tensile steel wire left in the chips Cab. Some suppliers can't guarantee there are none left from the tyre shredding process. The strands could cause a lot of damage to chickens' feet.

 

[Marigold]

There was nothing harmful in the ones I used, as I said when clean at first they were fine, but it wasn't possible to keep them like that for long.

 

[Cab]

Interesting. Thanks Marigold

So in the outside part of the run, I wonder if wood chippings would be better? Or do you favour aubiose in such a spot?