Okay so I've been using pine or aspen shavings, mostly pine, for my chickens since I got them last year and it's working out well for us. I like them because the ones I get at our feed store are nice and soft and fluffy and help keep them warm in winter, especially when I pile them deep.
But I just saw chopped straw at tractor supply.
They've always had it but I never really read it, it's the compressed bales, says it's good for chicken coops.
I've heard of people using straw or hay in coops and runs but went with shavings since it seemed easier and i had heard mites were more likely to occur with straw/hay. Is this true?
However I've also heard the straw and hay holds the heat well because it's hollow. Also heard certain kinds compost well and some don't.
So I guess I'm just wondering if anybody uses hay or straw (chopped or not) in their coops/runs or with other animals and if they like it? Or if anyone uses something else. Considered sand too. Is it possible or a good idea to maybe mix wood shavings with straw?
But I just saw chopped straw at tractor supply.
They've always had it but I never really read it, it's the compressed bales, says it's good for chicken coops.
I've heard of people using straw or hay in coops and runs but went with shavings since it seemed easier and i had heard mites were more likely to occur with straw/hay. Is this true?
However I've also heard the straw and hay holds the heat well because it's hollow. Also heard certain kinds compost well and some don't.
So I guess I'm just wondering if anybody uses hay or straw (chopped or not) in their coops/runs or with other animals and if they like it? Or if anyone uses something else. Considered sand too. Is it possible or a good idea to maybe mix wood shavings with straw?