Bedding

[fostermom55]

I have maybe a dumb question! Why do you need bedding under a roost. My chickens go in their coop to lay eggs or roost. In the morning I scrape the floor clean. What would the purpose of bedding on the floor be when they don't sleep in it to keep warm like other animals?

 

[PirateGirl]

It helps keeps the coop dry by helping to dry out the droppings. This also helps keep the smell down. It is perhaps more accurately "litter" than "bedding." Additionally if you are using your chickens for compost the greens and browns are better balanced if you have chicken poop plus pine shavings or straw etc.

If you scrape the floor or droppings board daily and are not composting, then perhaps litter is not necessary.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Good question! My nests are under the roosts, and sometimes eggs will get laid under the nests, so of course I want litter under under there. Whatever works for you, I guess!

 

[fostermom55]

It helps keeps the coop dry by helping to dry out the droppings. This also helps keep the smell down. It is perhaps more accurately "litter" than "bedding." Additionally if you are using your chickens for compost the greens and browns are better balanced if you have chicken poop plus pine shavings or straw etc.

If you scrape the floor or droppings board daily and are not composting, then perhaps litter is not necessary.

I have alpaca and hay, straw and rabbit droppings to add to our growing compost pile!

 

[fostermom55]

I have alpaca and hay, straw and rabbit droppings to add to our growing compost pile!

So in drying the droppings, does this mean it helps keep the air in the coop better for them to breathe

 

[21hens-incharge]

So in drying the droppings, does this mean it helps keep the air in the coop better for them to breathe

Yes.
It also in keeping moisture down helps prevent frostbite.

My big birds certainly appreciate the cushion when they hop off the roosts every morning too.

 

[aart]

So in drying the droppings, does this mean it helps keep the air in the coop better for them to breathe

It will if you have good ventilation.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

BYC is so smart! I love the "hive brain!" And here all these years I have just kept litter on the floor of my coop because "that's the way it's always been done!"