coop bedding

[MelissaRatz]

I am new to the chicken world and am getting ready to put the girls in their coop but we are trying to figure out an inexpensive bedding for the coop. Any suggestions?

 

[nbenevento]

I suggest sand. I used to use pine shavings but I have been really happy with sand since I switched over. Super easy to clean. It's cheap. You don't have to buy grit anymore. It keeps them cooler in the summer. It doesn't hold moisture. Lots of reasons why I like it!

 

[aestep]

I use leaves but my run is large 20x40 so cleaning is not as much of an issue natural decomposition

 

[RobinEtx]

Hi,
Are you just changing out the sand? How often?

 

[nbenevento]

Every day when I let the chickens out to free range, I use a kitty litter scoop and just do a quick scoop and sift. After a long time, when the sand is noticeably lower, I just add a little more. Some people will change it every year or so but I think if it gets too bad, you can just kind of wash it and let it dry and you are good to go again. Even though pine chips aren't all that expensive, it does add up after a while.

 

[fowlmouthgirls]

I'd be interested in trying sand, do you use it in your run as well?

 

[nbenevento]

I do have some in my run but I didn't fill it with sand. People certainly do use it in their run though. Chickens love to dust bathe in sand. My run is mostly just dirt but since I free range, I don't pay all that much attention to their runs. Sometimes I question why I even have a run but on occasion, for one reason or another, I don't let them out.

 

[MelissaRatz]

Thank you nvebevento! I have seen other people talk about sand and it sounds like a great idea. My coop is really big so i need something inexpensive and i think sand is it!

 

[nbenevento]

Glad I could help. Before you buy bags of sand, since your coop is so big, call around to see if someone will deliver a truckload. That's the cheapest way to go.