Coop Bedding

[SoccerMomof7]

What is the cheapest, without compromising their health, bedding for chickens? My family has just recently taken a major paycut, about $700 a month, I need to try to find ways to cut back. My local feed store sells 3 cu ft of wood shavings for almost 8 bucks, and I go through 1 a week so I am trying to see if anybody else uses something else.

 

[Chirpy]

Uhg! I know exactly where you are coming from. My hubby's been out of work for nine months!

Anyway... I have nine hens in my hen house. I am able to get the larger bags of bedding (9 cu. ft.) for about $5.00 here. I had to call around as there was a big difference in prices at different feed stores. I use the deep litter method and go through about one bag every month. Walmart is now selling shavings here (never use cedar) but my local feedstore is still cheaper where I live.

You could try to find a local wood working shop that might have shavings for free? You would just need to make sure they don't mix cedar in with it. Put out a wanted ad on your local Craigslist and see if you get any responses. Also, you could try your local Freecycle forum.

I know others use bedding like straw, hay or even sand but I see too many 'issues' with those plus I don't really think you save money using them. Unless you got it for free.

 

[mmajw]

You could try straw or hay but I bet it is probably more expensive then the pine shavings.