bedding? hay or pine shavings?

[frizzleman74]

what is better do you think. Ccnsiderations are composting, absorbency, price, how often you need to change the bedding! Thanks

 

[Matt A NC]

I like pine shavings. When I used hay it would pack down and mat up with poop. The shavings are easier to keep stirred and they absorb alot more moister before you need to change them out.

Matt

 

[jjparke]

I use shavings. They are easier to clean up and sow into the garden a lot easier than straw.

 

[Celtic Chick]

Quote:
x2
Straw will mold & cause illness if it gets wet & isn't noticed & replaced. Pine shavings are more absorbant & dry out faster.

 

[hisdaughter]

I use hay but am new to this. I do notice that it does get packed down and gross. Not sure about cost for pine shavings but a bale of hay in Lakeland is about $5. I'm looking forward to seeing what others say. Have a wonderful time!

 

[AlabamaChickenLady]

I've never used hay, but I have considered it for the nest boxes. I use the deep litter method, with pine chips. They are easy to stir up, and they absorb well also. I only have to change my shavings every 3-4 months, depending on how fast it breaks down. It also mulches pretty fast after I remove it from the coop. I have also put the used pine chips into the run area

Since the weather has really warmed up down here, I put in a little bit of cedar chips to offset the smell a little the last time. I worked too. My coop is 12ft X 6ft and I use 3 bags of pine chips ever 3-4 months. Thats not to bad and its affordable to. Hope this helps you.

 

[krcote]

I use pine shavings. I also use the DLM so I only do a total clean-out a few times a year.