Bedding question

[subie43]

Hey all!

I'm a new chicken owner and we are almost done with our coop. I just had a quick question regarding the bedding. Has anyone ever used pine mulch- that you'd buy for like you're flower beds- for bedding or is it better to stick with the pine shavings that are made specifically for animal use?

 

[trilyn]

I would think it would take even longer for the mulch to decompose, the shavings are bad enough. Just my opinion, someone else will be along soon!

Welcome to BYC!!!

 

[patandchickens]

Why would you WANT to? Mulch is much more expensive (don't judge by apparent size of bag -- a typical bag of shavings sold for bedding is heavily compressed and actually gives you something like 6 cu ft, whereas a bag o' garden mulch is usually 2-3 cu ft).

Also it would be less absorbant; and I'd be cautious about using dyed mulches or any that smell VERY strongly aromatic.

Honestly I just can't see any reason for using it.

If you wanted to, I'm sure you could. I'll stick with shavings, myself -- not only are they much cheaper, I strongly suspect they're easier to work with than mulch would be.

JMO, good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[subie43]

Well, I never said I wanted to-I was just curious because I did a quick online comparison between the 2-Petsmart was selling a 2cf bag of shavings for 10.99 and the mulch where I work was 3.79 for 2 cf. But, I guess the 10.99 bag was probably 2cf in it's compressed state. Thanks!

 

[patandchickens]

Quote:
Actually the Petsmart shavings probably WERE more expensive, you don't want to buy them there, buy them from the local FEED STORE

I pay less than $5 for a bale that is, as I say, I think 6 cu ft.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[Judy]

Petsmart isn't going to be the cheapest place to buy shavings of any kind. Around here we have Tractor Supply Company stores, $5 or $6 for a big compressed bag. Look for farm supply stores, feed stores, agricultural supplies in the yellow pages, etc. in your area, if you don't have TSC.

 

[geareduplyn]

Get some Pine Pellets used for Horses at your local TSC. The best chicken bedding ever.