The only time I buy shavings is when I'm hatching chicks, and then, that's merely for convenience. I use dry leaves in the coop and run. In the summer, I add grass clippings and garden debris. IMO, the leaves are the best bedding option available. My coop has not been cleaned since October, and it smells very fresh. The flock LOVE playing in the leaves, and they make a nice dust bath also.