Chicken bedding question

[irmad]

Just a quick question for all you lovely experts.. I been thinking of using coco husk as a bedding in my chicken coop and quail coop. Has anyone used it here. Also has anyone used peat moss as bedding? I been using horse bedding.. chopped hemp. Super absorbent..

 

[rjohns39]

Just a quick question for all you lovely experts.. I been thinking of using coco husk as a bedding in my chicken coop and quail coop. Has anyone used it here. Also has anyone used peat moss as bedding? I been using horse bedding.. chopped hemp. Super absorbent..

I've never used either, but a lot of my friends swear by peat in their brooders. They don't use bedding after the birds leave the brooder as they're raised on grass.

 

[aart]

Not sure about cocoa shells, know they can be toxic to dogs.
Sphagnum Peat moss can work but one of those 'not sustainable' things and I find it really dusty.
I'd use hemp if it was available locally and didn't cost an arm and two legs.

 

[rjohns39]

Not sure about cocoa shells, know they can be toxic to dogs.
Sphagnum Peat moss can work but one of those 'not sustainable' things and I find it really dusty.
I'd use hemp if it was available locally and didn't cost an arm and two legs.

That's why I haven't been able to bring myself to give it a try.

 

[irmad]

I'm referring to coconut coir/husk and not the cocoa. Coco coir is super absorbent and if used as deep litter method. It would be Perfect for a long-term use and would be ideal for the garden when it decomposes over time. I will try it with my quails first and it has 0 dust because it stays a little moist.

 

[aart]

I'm referring to coconut coir/husk and not the cocoa. Coco coir is super absorbent and if used as deep litter method. It would be Perfect for a long-term use and would be ideal for the garden when it decomposes over time. I will try it with my quails first and it has 0 dust because it stays a little moist.

Ohhh.... sorry.... I read hull instead of husk.
Yeah, that should work OK...let us know how absorbent it is.

 

[irmad]

Ohhh.... sorry.... I read hull instead of husk.
Yeah, that should work OK...le

Ohhh.... sorry.... I read hull instead of husk.
Yeah, that should work OK...let us know how absorbent it is.

Don't be sorry... you are super cool.
It's all trial and error and I was clueless when I first came on this site. I learnt so much here. I love learning and sharing experiences with other members.

 

[lazy gardener]

I would not use peat here b/c of expense and the dustiness of it. It can wreak havoc on the lungs. No access to cocoa choir or hemp... or if it is available, I'm guessing it's out of my price range. By far, my favorite bedding materials are leaves, garden debris, and grass clippings. But, I will break down and buy a bale of shavings during chick season.

 

[irmad]

I would not use peat here b/c of expense and the dustiness of it. It can wreak havoc on the lungs. No access to cocoa choir or hemp... or if it is available, I'm guessing it's out of my price range. By far, my favorite bedding materials are leaves, garden debris, and grass clippings. But, I will break down and buy a bale of shavings during chick season.

Allot of people warned me about peat moss. Coconut husk /choir is very cheap where i am in uk. Are you looking to use the deep litter method?

 

[Folly's place]

I use mostly shavings; too lazy/busy to rake and dry leaves! They stay on the ground and add to the soil instead. Likewise the grass clippings.
Some hay goes into the bedding, dropped from the nest boxes. I won't use peat!
Mary