Bedding

[anniegirl1962]

So, I went with the pine shavings. They were upset with me the first day. I have always had pine shavings in the coop but not the run. I had to physically put them into the run as they were not sure of what to do with their new digs. They all wanted to purch on the ramp to the coop, it was funny until the next morning when I had not eggs. A boycott perhaps?
But the next day I left them in as I knew sooner of later they would have to lay.
Now its back to normal, they scratch fine for food in the pine shavings and its so much cleaner for them as we just received over 3 inches of rain. WE have our hay ion the barn and we're almost ready for fall weather.
Should I have a heat lamp set up for winter??? My birds are all full grown, although still youngsters.

 

[SowdersHomestead]

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

Shredded leaves. This time of the year they are starting to fall.

I started to use the leaves before we were able to tractor meat chickens. The leaves absorb the smell and leave a nice compacted floor. Each week I'd add a covering of fresh shredded leaves. This is great for compost as well.

We also use grass clippings. The smell is awesome in the coop and the clippings attach to the poop very well. I guess one could use a poop scooper and continually remove the old matter.

Good luck

 

[CAjerseychick]

Shredded leaves. This time of the year they are starting to fall.

I started to use the leaves before we were able to tractor meat chickens. The leaves absorb the smell and leave a nice compacted floor. Each week I'd add a covering of fresh shredded leaves. This is great for compost as well.

We also use grass clippings. The smell is awesome in the coop and the clippings attach to the poop very well. I guess one could use a poop scooper and continually remove the old matter.

Good luck

Great idea! Thanks!

 

[jrudolph305]

We are getting day old chicks in a couple months and wanted to use ground up grass and leaves for bedding. Is this okay for chicks? I have always used grass/hay/leaves for the older girls.

 

[SowdersHomestead]

Yep.

 

[windzbreezy]

Sounds good, I have been using pine shavings & plan to switch to a better compost material because pine is awful

 

[Mrwinchester]

Sounds good, I have been using pine shavings & plan to switch to a better compost material because pine is awful

Pine shavings break down slower in compost but the acidity will eventually go neutral, it also adds soil aeration and water retention neither are not bad attributes to soil. I use sand but am contemplating pine in my brooder next time.

 

[msmolly]

I use Hardwood chips (free from the tree people) in the run, as it doesn't break down, drains well and can be disposed of easily. In the coop, I've gone back to straw as I can throw it in the woods, and does no harm to animal or environment. Also, doesn't get in the water er, and feeders as bad. We have cold winters, so straw offers excellent insulating.
Then again, if you ask my birds, they would tell you, they prefer pillows!

 

[pampam]

msmolly, that pic is the cutest! I have lots of dog beds around the house, I might try to introduce one to my girls and see what happens!

I'm new to keeping chickens so I've been scouring this site for the best info and it's been so helpful. Thank you!

It seems folks have favorite run and coop bedding so it's been hard to figure out which is best. I wonder if the variety of preferences also has something to do with location. I live in Massachusetts where it get's rainy and snowy so I worry about pine shavings in the run as it seem it would just get soaked and stay moist. Though I am using it in the coop where it's drier. and I like it (as do the girls).

For the run I'm using leaves. We have a huge backyard and piles upon piles of leaves we never hauled away from last fall. My girls love the leaves as the bugs have been 'nesting' in there for a long time. I like the leaves as it seems like a good, natural, and free solution.

Should I just keep piling on the leaves as they get scratched down/composted? How often should I clean the run? I don't want it to smell, but more importantly I want the run to be hygienic.

Thanks!