Bedding

[Caleb999]

I was just wondering if chickens were alright with straw. I know it is a little dusty, but I don't think that would harm them. I'm just curious. Thanks

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Straw is fine, I use hay and shaving, and sand, what ever works for you.

 

[RJSorensen]

Straw has hollow shafts which can house mites and such. I no longer use straw, though we have it around the place, hay could work, I like pine shavings in my coops. I kind of hate bugs, and try everything to keep them at bay. As such I will not give them a home in any of my coops. You are your own best judge here, you might not ever have a problem… for me the pound of cure is more burdensome than the ounce of prevention.

Best to you and your birds,

RJ

 

[aart]

Pine shavings work better on coop floor for drying poops.....
......but I like 'flakes' of straw for nests and use DE in the nests to deter insects taking up residence there.

 

[Beth77]

Definitely stay well away from straw as it harbours mites. I'd recommend All Bed, it's an equine bedding made out of wood chippings.

 

[Mtn Laurel]

I do deep litter so I use a lot of different stuff. Straw, pine shavings, leaves, sawdust, shredded newspaper all are great in the coop. Straw may harbor mites but it's also a great insulator so I find it worth the chance when we get an extended zero degree snap. When deep cold is in the forecast, I'll add a thick layer of straw and I can feel the difference in the coop temp.

 

[Beth77]

I see what you mean about the cold. If you use straw, I'd put plenty of red mite powder inside your coop. Do you already use red mite powder?

 

[Mtn Laurel]

No, I don't use anything. I stay away from all insect killers, including DE, as leaf and litter eating insects and microbes are necessary for deep litter to breakdown and decompose.

I make sure they have plenty of spots to dust bath in and I put dry dirt, sand, peat, and a good helping of wood ash in there. Wood ash has long been used to deter mites. Putting it in their dusting area keeps the ash on the bird mostly and not so much in the deep litter.

 

[Beth77]

I see you like to use natural things for your flock, good on you.

 

[jessbe]

I read that some herbs are great for bug repelling.