Bedding for winter

[SHeld]

Again, what is best bedding for winter for the floor of the coop. I have pea gravel as base but need to cover it with a good insulating ?? Yes, they run free in run during the day , also still have problems with sleeping in the nests??

 

[21hens-incharge]

You have pea gravel in the coop or in the run?

Personally I cannot recommend pea gravel in either the coop OR the run. It is hard on their feet at best and at worst it is impossible to clean leading to manure build up, stink, flies and bacterial overload in that area.

In my he coop I use small flake pine shavings.
In the run I use dry leaves, spent garden plants, and alfalfa from a bale. This provides carbon to help offset the high nitrogen in the manure. The chickens stir it up and it does not smell at all.

 

[21hens-incharge]

As to sleeping in the nest boxes.....block them at night and open them in the morning.

 

[jreardon1918]

We use pine shavings in the coop. That is a year round thing. And it is designed to catch and dry the poop. I never really thought about the insulating properties. The coop is not insulated or heated. I am assuming that you have a wood floor. I guess I will be the first to ask where you are located? We are in SE Mass. I just published an article about winter preparations. It occurs to me I didn't mention insultation. So far I think it has not been needed. Unless the 3-4" of pine shavings count. Here is a link to the article. Preparing the girls for winter

 

[aart]

Again, what is best bedding for winter for the floor of the coop. I have pea gravel as base but need to cover it with a good insulating ?? Yes, they run free in run during the day , also still have problems with sleeping in the nests??

Please post pics of your coop, inside and out, @SHeld
Also tell us.....
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!