Run substrate - alternatives to grass

I'm soon to be installing an aviary for the buns. At the moment there is just soil on the ground. I was thinking of using turf as a substrate but it is VERY expensive and they will destroy it in a matter of hours so was wondering what alternatives you would recommend. I don't want to use paving of any kind because of Frankie's sore hocks. I was thinking maybe playground bark? I have no idea whether that would be suitable for them or not, hence why i am asking here. There will be a layer of wire on the floor of the aviary so they won't be able to dig out so any suggestions welcome.

Thanks

I would be tempted to use paving and cover it all with soft deep hay.
Then the hay can be changed regularly and the paving slabs cleaned/disinfected.

I would not use bark as keeping the area clean would be a nightmare and I dont think it'd do Frankie's hocks any favours either.

I use bark in my aviary (actual aviary - with birds :lol and it's good for that but I don't think it would be any good for bunnies. They would probably make a right mess with it.

My friend uses slabs and the covers them with the rubber matting used for horses stables. The matting is nice on rexy fur (she has a rex) and easily cleaned etc.

ShazzaBunny said:

My friend uses slabs and the covers them with the rubber matting used for horses stables. The matting is nice on rexy fur (she has a rex) and easily cleaned etc.

Click to expand...

I was gonna suggest this

I use a combination - with about half slabs and half turf (retained by a plank on its side).

However I am lucky enough that I live near a good cheap direct turf supply where its only £2.50 a roll - so I just renew the turf every few months. In fact to be honest I renew the whole upper lawn as well as all the grass in the bun aviaries!!! They look so smart!!!

I use deep hay in one part as well .

In my experience the buns choose to sit mostly on any bare or scraped up patch of earth they can find, next choice is nibbled turf, then hay, then their wooden platforms - with slabs being last choice.

ShazzaBunny said:

My friend uses slabs and the covers them with the rubber matting used for horses stables. The matting is nice on rexy fur (she has a rex) and easily cleaned etc.

Click to expand...

:wave: We're thinking about this to use on slabs for winter (we're trying to avoid turning the lawn into a mud-bath over winter) - any recommendations/suggestions of specific products?

Ta!