Selecting the correct bedding for chickens can make a huge difference in their well-being. Not only does it keep them warm and dry, but it also absorbs odors from poop and manure and simplifies cleaning duties inside the coop.
Backyard chicken owners typically use straw, hay, and pine shavings (also available in cedar varieties). It’s essential to note that no single type of bedding works perfectly for all chickens; each has its own advantages and drawbacks.
Straw: Absorbent, Easy to Clean, and Has No Odors
Straw is an ideal choice for many reasons, including its absorbency capacity. It’s also cost-effectively lined coops and nest boxes with its pleasant pine scent, which chickens absolutely adore.
However, when using a wheat straw (or another type of straw) for bedding purposes, make sure to purchase only fresh straw that has not been sprayed with pesticides. Older straw may have ammonia in it, which could cause eye and nasal irritation to your flock.
Hay is Easier to Clean Than Other Options and Has No Odors
Chickens prefer a soft, cushioned surface when perching or laying their eggs, which makes hay an ideal bedding option. Plus, its clumping properties make it simple to eliminate waste materials and replace them with new bedding.
Wood or sawdust can be a cost-effective option and is usually available at your local feed store. Unfortunately, it creates a lot of dust which may not be healthy for your birds to breathe in.
Shavings – Easy to Clean and Has No Odors
Shavings, which come in different forms of wood, make an excellent coop bedding option as they can easily be scooped out and are free from odors. Furthermore, shavings make ideal winter bedding due to their ability to retain moisture while remaining soft.
The primary drawback to shavings is that they’re expensive and must be changed frequently. Furthermore, mixing shavings with other materials like cedar chips may pose risks to chickens, so be mindful when mixing them in.
Hemp Bedding – Affordable, Easiest to Clean, and Has No Odors
Hemp is a relatively recent addition to bedding for chickens options; however, it’s quickly becoming popular in backyard flocks due to its biodegradability, which means you don’t have to replace it as often as other types of bedding do.
Rocks: Absorbent, Easy to Maintain, and Free of Odors
Rocks are an excellent coop litter alternative that will allow you to quickly clean up chicken droppings without spending time raking or scooping them out. Plus, rocks add insulation during colder weather – which is beneficial for your chickens.
They’re also an ideal option if you have plenty of grass clippings lying around, as they can help mask poop smells. Be sure to completely dry them out before adding them to the coop, though, as not doing so could encourage mold growth and cause respiratory issues.
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