NOTE: I am not responsible for some information as it was gathered on different websites. This article is just a gathering of information to explain why hemp is a good bedding. Thank you
One of the most heavily discussed topics is: What is the best bedding?
We all have different opinions, so I'm going to talk about mine.
Okay, so some of you guys have seen me go a bit crazy when it comes to hemp bedding. So I'm going to explain why I love it so much.
What is Hemp Bedding?
Hemp is an extremely versatile plant that has been used a long time for a variety of reasons- from textiles, to insulation, to rope. It’s a sustainable plant with a natural pesticide that makes it especially easy to grow without artificial insect repellents or fertilizers. Today hemp is still commonly used as a textile, as well as for beauty products, such as hand cream and shampoo. and now- animal bedding.
Hemp bedding is made from what is known as the “hurd” of the Hemp plant or the cannabis plant. The hurd is the stalk of the plant, then the bedding is mulched down into a kind of straw-like texture, which is soft, absorbent and natural. Don't let the word cannabis make you uncomfortable, or discouraged- it's a great bedding. Sometimes, hemp is made out of other plants like eucalyptus.
| HEMP | WOOD SHAVINGS | STRAW | |
| COST | low | medium | low |
| ABSORBENCY | high (400%) | medium to high (250%) | low to medium (125%) |
| COMPOSTING RATE | fast | slow | fast |
| PROS AND CONS |
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Pros of Hemp Bedding
- It's much cheaper than other bedding and easy to find
- it's a natural pest repellent
- can be used in the coop and the run
- you can use it for other pets- tortoises, horses, livestock etc
- perfect for chick brooders
- very absorbent
- warm and comfortable
- fast composting rate
- can last a long time and easy to clean up
- more sustainable
- controls odour
- Great for deep bedding
For all of you composters out there... hemp bedding decomposes rapidly, I compost all of the used hemp combined with chicken poo and it's the best soil.
Cons of Hemp Bedding
There aren't many cons but...
- the quality of the bedding can be inconsistent since it is a crop and can vary by growing season. However, if you buy it from a reliable source, then it can be a good product to use.
- If you don't change it after a while, it can get a bit mouldy- but that happens to most beddings, and we all know we have to change the bedding at least every month.
What Hemp Bedding should I use?
Some people like to grow their own hemp, but if that's not for you, there are lots of different brands of hemp you can buy, and they are sold mainly everywhere (and online). I usually buy a big stack of Aubiose. You can buy eucalyptus-based hemp, reptile hemp, horse hemp, or hemp specifically for chickens. You can also get stacks, bags, or mats. You can choose depending on what qualities you want.
Animals enjoying Hemp Bedding
Don't believe me? Take it from them!
Why is hemp so useful?
Here I am going to go more in depth about the qualities of hemp.
How does Hemp repel pests?
Hemp has been used as a pest repellent and pesticide in a variety of ways. It's sometimes planted as a companion crop to deter insects, Mites, lice, fungi, and weedy plants. When the hemp plant is converted to hemp bedding, its pest repellent qualities remain. Using it will ensure that any insects and mites are not attracted to your chicken coop. I have never had a mite problem in my year of chicken keeping.
Why is Hemp Bedding so absorbent?
Hemp is super-absorbent, because it is not porous enough for wetness and smells to permeate the space. Damp bedding encourages bacterial growth where Salmonella and Coccidiosis can quickly take hold. Hemp acts like cat litter and clumps the wet spots together- trapping odours and making wet spots easier to remove\clean up. The top layer of bedding stays fresh and dry, keeping the coop smelling fresh.
Is Hemp Bedding sustainable?
In this day and age, everyone is starting to realize the importance of protecting the environment. People are finding more ways to reduce waste and toxic materials on the earth. Hemp doesn't need any toxic pesticides to grow. Also, because hemp bedding has a finer texture than most wood beddings, it is also much tidier to clean and creates much less unnecessary waste. Dirty Hemp can be composted, it can degrade faster than any other bedding- meaning that the old hemp doesn't go to waste.
For more information... (sources)
https://cannabistraininguniversity.com/blog/cbd-and-hemp/hemp-bedding/
https://www.newcountryorganics.com/blog/hemp-bedding-future
https://www.backyardchickencoops.com.au/blogs/learning-centre/an-animal-lovers-guide-to-hemp-bedding
How does Hemp repel pests?
Hemp has been used as a pest repellent and pesticide in a variety of ways. It's sometimes planted as a companion crop to deter insects, Mites, lice, fungi, and weedy plants. When the hemp plant is converted to hemp bedding, its pest repellent qualities remain. Using it will ensure that any insects and mites are not attracted to your chicken coop. I have never had a mite problem in my year of chicken keeping.
Why is Hemp Bedding so absorbent?
Hemp is super-absorbent, because it is not porous enough for wetness and smells to permeate the space. Damp bedding encourages bacterial growth where Salmonella and Coccidiosis can quickly take hold. Hemp acts like cat litter and clumps the wet spots together- trapping odours and making wet spots easier to remove\clean up. The top layer of bedding stays fresh and dry, keeping the coop smelling fresh.
Is Hemp Bedding sustainable?
In this day and age, everyone is starting to realize the importance of protecting the environment. People are finding more ways to reduce waste and toxic materials on the earth. Hemp doesn't need any toxic pesticides to grow. Also, because hemp bedding has a finer texture than most wood beddings, it is also much tidier to clean and creates much less unnecessary waste. Dirty Hemp can be composted, it can degrade faster than any other bedding- meaning that the old hemp doesn't go to waste.
For more information... (sources)
https://cannabistraininguniversity.com/blog/cbd-and-hemp/hemp-bedding/
https://www.newcountryorganics.com/blog/hemp-bedding-future
https://www.backyardchickencoops.com.au/blogs/learning-centre/an-animal-lovers-guide-to-hemp-bedding
Comparisons
Why is hemp bedding better than other beddings?
I'm going to go more in depth for why it is a better option.
OUR CONTESTORS ARE....
- Sand
- Wood Shavings
- Straw
- Hay
Costs
Chicken-keepers all over BYC are always trying to find ways to spend the least amount of money as possible.
Hemp bedding is quite inexpensive. I buy a huge 20k stack of Aubiose for around £12 ($16.45).
Since it can be composted, I also save money on buying a bag of compost from the shops!
If I bought a 20k bag of other beddings...
SAND- £16 ($21.92)
WOOD SHAVINGS- £20 ($27.40)
STRAW- £18 ($24.66)
HAY- £25 ($34.25)
(this is average price, some companies sell for more\less)
as you can see, the hemp costs much less than the other beddings.
Mite & Lice control
All chicken-keepers hate the dreaded mite and lice infestations.
Which bedding can prevent them?
Source: BackYardChickens.com
SAND- sand is a good red mite deterrent, and can be used for dust-bathing. Mite infestations still occur in wet\damp sand.
WOOD SHAVINGS- if mixed with DE, wood shavings can be a good bedding. But, mites like to make homes in wood, so wood shavings don't make the best mite deterrent.
STRAW & HAY- there are a few types of mite that enjoy to live in straw and hay (eg. Straw itch Mite) that are a risk to the birds, if the bedding is changed quite regularly, it isn't much of a problem.
HEMP- hemp naturally deters mites and insects. It's very rare to find bugs in your bedding unless it's very dirty or soiled.
