Alfalfa for bedding?

[Ndflores]

Pat I agree with you. Its harder to clean. I was just wondering cuz I think I'm not liking it. I'm glad I split the bale

I still have tons!! I'm so new to chickens I'm learning as I go.

I use alfalfa also. The girls enjoy it and it composts well

Does anyone use alfalfa Hay for the bedding? Our local feed store told us it’s better for the chickens than the pine shavings so I split a bale of it with my friend. We have been using it for about 1 week. I have not decided if I like it or not. We have 1/2 a bale so I gotta use it up. Anyone have an opinion on alfalfa?

Does anyone use alfalfa Hay for the bedding? Our local feed store told us its better for the chickens than the pine shavings so I split a bale of it with my friend. We have been using it for about 1 week. I have not decided if I like it or not. We have 1/2 a bale so I gotta use it up. Anyone have an opinion on alfalfa?

I do. The girls love it. It is something to root around in and pick through and has the added benefit of being nutrient dense. I live in the desert where the soil is dry deficient. I find the added benefit of composting alfalfa over shavings when I turn my coop out. It is nutrient and nitrogen dense so excellent for our deficient soil. I guess it depends on where you live. I do not tell the feed store what I am doing with it. For all intents and purposes I purchase premium livestock bail. I was not aware of reject bails that were mentioned.

 

[SandyRiverChick]

I love having alfalfa for my nest boxes. The girls can munch on it, pull it around them to hide, etc. I've used Timothy, Straw and Alfalfa. BUT I would not use any hay products in my brooder with baby chicks, just shavings. I had a chick that really enjoyed eating chopped up straw (flock fresh,) she developed pendulous crop.