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.
- Previous page: Why is hemp so useful?
