Floor Options for Alpaca Shelter

Right now I have a bunch of gravel mixed with dirt (too much dirt, in my opinion). The dimensions of this shelter is an octagon 12’ in diameter and 5’ on each of the eight sides. Part will be covered up with my 3’ x 5’ hay feeder which I will place butting up to one of the sides (to save space).

I am looking for affordable flooring options. Since the hay feeder will cover part of the floor, I am thinking I need about 108 square feet.

I have thought about putting down landscaping weed cover and then bringing in some “packable crushed rock.” This would eliminate all of the dirt and keep things cleaner. I know alpacas like to roll in dirt/hay.

I also want advice on what I can place down as an alternative to straw since it would be nice to avoid all of the straw that would make its way into their fiber. I am thinking of just putting down some old quilts/blankets easily purchased from thrift stores.

I plan to install bamboo roller shades on 7 of the 8 sides and will roll them down when cold/windy weather arrives.