Bedding

[SeanBlack]

whats the best bedding

 

[Pullet Surprise]

We've been very happy with pine shavings

 

[SeanBlack]

Sound

 

[Den in Penn]

I use wood shaveings now. When I was growing up we used choped straw. With straw they didn't have a problem finding the scratch grain, that's tougher in wood shavings. Straw can mat easier then shavings. I get the shavings free so that tips the balance. The best is what works best for you.

 

[donrae]

Pine shavings.

 

[windzbreezy]

i do not think the pine shavings make a good compost since everything is usually dead around pine trees where there needles fall. so i am considering starting a new compost when i switch to straw

 

[anniegirl1962]

I am wondering what would make a good bedding for my pen. Being a fledging master gardener wood shavings are not good to be used around anything you want to grow uless it has already been composted as it depleats the nigrogen otu fo the soil.
I am thinking of using pine shaving the same I use in the horse barn to make it convienient and compost it.
I was wondering about using some pea gravel? It would compact and keep the mud down? I also think it would be easy to keep clean.

 

[Den in Penn]

I am wondering what would make a good bedding for my pen. Being a fledging master gardener wood shavings are not good to be used around anything you want to grow uless it has already been composted as it depleats the nigrogen otu fo the soil.
I am thinking of using pine shaving the same I use in the horse barn to make it convienient and compost it.
I was wondering about using some pea gravel? It would compact and keep the mud down? I also think it would be easy to keep clean.

The concern about wood chips needing nitrogen is valid if you don't add a nitrogen source. With chickens manure being high in nitrogen it balances the wood nicely. Since you have to compost the chicken manure anyway for most uses, there should be no problem if you have the room. Where were you thinking about using the pea gravel? Outside in the run ot the coop?

 

[lovemychicks22]

what is the cheapest, warmest bedding there is besides pine or wood shavings?

 

[TXchickmum]

Our coop floors are a mixture of sand and dirt. They scoop and clean very well. As for nest box and brooder box bedding, we use fluffy towels. The chicks and hens love them, and there is little cost involved (as they are reusable). -only expense is the water for the laundry which I do daily.