Chicks & Hay question

[toddntiff]

I did a search but didn't find any answers directly. Can I put hay in their coop? And what about alfalfa? Just want to be sure!
Thanks guys!

 

[TexasJoe]

Yup on both. Chickens LOVE alfalfa, i grow it and clover for my flocks

Be careful with the hay, though. If you continue to layer up more and more hay as the chicken foul it up, the lower layers will hold moisture, mold, SMELL TERRIBLE, and MUCH worse. If you plan on using this method (called "Deep layer" method), make sure to use something like StallDry (food grade DE) to keep the moisture and mites/flies to a minimum.

 

[beakkeeper]

For the first week or so, you should use burlap, so they don't try to eat the hay. As soon as they know what's food and what's not, go ahead and use hay.

 

[buc]

yep too both, however, the alfalfa will not make that good of bedding as they will eat off the leaves and leave the stalk.

I suggest a bale of straw ( that is the stalks of wheat) it makes for a better bed.

 

[toddntiff]

Perfect! I haven't done anything on a large scale, just giving it to the chicks to introduce new things. We let them out in their run on Wednesday and I'm trying to "prepare" them for the great outdoors! I am going to use the deep litter method and will plan to get the DE tomorrow at the feed store! (making sure of course that it's food grade!)