Another Hay Question

[bobchell]

Hi Everyone,

We have had our chickens since January (3 RIR's) and have been using chopped straw for their bedding and it has been working out great for us. I have read on here that some like sand, pine shavings, straw, etc.... My question is that I went to our local feed store today, a different one than where we have been buying the chopped straw, and asked the girl if they had it, she said yes and I bought it, went around the back to pick it up, the guy put in my trunk and I left. When I got home my husband said it was hay and not straw, I checked the receipt and sure enough it is chopped/compressed Alfalfa Hay. My hubby doesn't want me to take it back, says it will work but I am worried it might be a problem. Will it be okay to use this versus the Hay? We are in the habit of changing it about every 2 weeks and I scoop up the droppings at least 2 times a week in the coop so I am not too worried about the bugs, just worried about my chickens liking it or not

Guess I need to double check the receipt with what they tell me for now on! Thanks in advance for any comments.

 

[sanmar4chickens]

If you do a search, I think its better to have hay than straw.

Edited
Sorry I am confused. I'm probably wrong.

 

[DavidKerk]

If you do a search, I think its better to have hay than straw.

Agreed! Hay is better because when they eat it they don't run the risk of getting it caught in their throat, which is something that can happen when they eat straw. Straw is still a good bedding. I hope I answered your question!

 

[bobchell]

It is confusing that is why I asked So I guess this once it will work? We will see how the chickens like it I guess

 

[sanmar4chickens]

It is confusing that is why I asked So I guess this once it will work? We will see how the chickens like it I guess

Ok I found the thread this is part of what it said:

Speaking of the nesting box...get rid of straw. Hay, yes, straw, no. Straw has lovely little tubes where bad boys like to hide and live until they can come out at night and bite someone. You can use hay or pine shavings for the nest boxes and even place a little wood ashes there.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...rors-anyone-want-to-follow-their-progress/630

Page 64 post#635

I've been reading this thread. I actually have been glued to it like reading a good book. Very informative if you are into "an ounce of prevention worth a pound of cure."

 

[bobchell]

Ok I found the thread this is part of what it said:

Speaking of the nesting box...get rid of straw. Hay, yes, straw, no. Straw has lovely little tubes where bad boys like to hide and live until they can come out at night and bite someone. You can use hay or pine shavings for the nest boxes and even place a little wood ashes there.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...rors-anyone-want-to-follow-their-progress/630

Page 64 post#635

I've been reading this thread. I actually have been glued to it like reading a good book. Very informative if you are into "an ounce of prevention worth a pound of cure."

THANK YOU! That thread is very informative & I will have to read everything later. As for the girl at the feed store giving us hay instead of straw I guess she knows better than me ( which isn't hard to do considering this is our 1st year with chickens). We will keep that hay and give it a try. Thank you, sanmar4chickens!

 

[4 the Birds]

Hay, Straw, or Pine Chips can be used in the nest but you will find that pine chips work best. Hay and Straw and are not great for floor bedding due to the long strands. Straw creates really dusty conditions! Hay can get moldy and I would avoid that as a floor material. Pine chips are ideal since it dries up wet poo and it is easy to remove or add as needed. Some people use sand and sift daily. I use straw in the run but keep it out of the coop.

Hope this helps! The flock hanging out in the goat shed hay bin.

 

[sanmar4chickens]

THANK YOU! That thread is very informative & I will have to read everything later. As for the girl at the feed store giving us hay instead of straw I guess she knows better than me ( which isn't hard to do considering this is our 1st year with chickens). We will keep that hay and give it a try. Thank you, sanmar4chickens!

Your welcome.