Coop bedding/litter - which is best?

[3KillerBs]

I like the shavings because I don't have to change them as often as I had to change straw when a farm store employee convinced my DH that he should get straw instead of the shavings I'd asked for.

I also add some pine straw and old leaves that are freely available for the raking in my yard.

 

[Aapomp831]

The problem with sand is that it doesn't contribute to the poop composting. The poop dust just gets mixed into the sand and stays there.

That’s why you clean the poop out of it everyday, I’m not a fan of the deep litter method.

 

[3KillerBs]

That’s why you clean the poop out of it everyday, I’m not a fan of the deep litter method.

I don't know why I would want to make so very much extra work for myself -- cleaning daily instead of once every 6-12 weeks.

 

[aart]

That’s why you clean the poop out of it everyday,

Even sifting the sand, even with a fine mesh, every day doesn't get it all.
Eventually the sand becomes saturated with pulverized poop...then humidity can make it reek!
Not a sand fan.

 

[blacklab]

I don't find pine shavings to be expensive at $6 for a "bale" at TSC, but if you have pine straw and leaves free for the raking in your yard, that will work just as well. I would neither use straw nor sand in my coop.

Hmm, at TSC here, a "cube" is around $14! It comes in bales? I'll look into that - I love the way they smell and look! Thanks!

 

[Aapomp831]

Cleaning the coop daily....

Ok... it’s your chickens health, not mine.