Bedding...what kind do you use and why???

[Three Cedars Silkies]

We're in Florida so that might make a difference. Straw is not readily available and VERY expensive when you can find it. We use a lot of pine shavings and I like it except...the chickens dig down to the dirt underneath and mix it all together. I have a friend who uses the white "play sand" in pens and uses a kitty litter scoop to clean it. I'm thinking about doing this but wanted input from others prior to changing...thanks so much!!

 

[Three Cedars Silkies]

Anyone that can give me your opinion on this??
Thanks

 

[bangor777]

i like the pine shavings, but then i've never used anything else. I like the smell, chicks seem happy in it. play sand sounds interesting though. hopefully someone else will chime in

 

[mmajw]

We use either hay or pine shavings in their laying boxes. A small amount of shavings on the coop floor and the run is just dirt. I will put a kiddie pool in the run in the summer with play sand.

 

[Three Cedars Silkies]

Thanks so much for your replies. I'm thinking maybe we'll try the sand in our pullets coop first and see how it goes.

 

[tvtaber]

If you lay pine shavings on dirt and the chickens are digging through it, you have the prefect set up for the "deep-litter" method. This will prevent your having to clean out the coop for several months (if ever!). here is a link to a great info site:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=1560-DLM

Sand may look nice, but cleaning chicken poop up witha kitty litter scoop? Not for me!