Duck bedding

[EggSighted4Life]

What bedding should I use for my ducks? Like straw, pine flakes etc. What's the best to use?

I've also used rice hulls.

I have mixed feeling towards them, but putting it on your radar.

 

[ProudRedneck]

I've also used rice hulls.

I have mixed feeling towards them, but putting it on your radar.

Interesting. I'll be researching more about this since this is the first time I've seen it mentioned anywhere.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Interesting. I'll be researching more about this since this is the first time I've seen it mentioned anywhere.

Here is one link that discusses them.. noting I'm also in Northern California and my LFS was using them (for ducklings) so they're readily available for about $15/bag.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/rice-hulls-bedding-is-magic.416037/

I also note they don't absorb water and preferred them for chicks because of how the poos essentially clumped.

I have since read studies that show (chicks) have lower growth performance on rice hulls than shavings or other medium. (perhaps an issue for those growing broilers) Presumably they are able to ingest some of the hulls.. without AS MUCH concern for crop blockage as shavings.

I don't agree with everything written in the following article (I hate sand for the reasons you already stated) and this link is specifically regarding chicks, but do find it an overall interesting review.. that includes other things I haven't considered..

https://www.thefeatherbrain.com/blog/chicken-coop-bedding-comparison

 

[fatty and friends]

we use hemp bedding and it works great! i spot clean daily and do a full cleaning once a week.

 

[ProudRedneck]

@fatty and friends how many ducks do you have? How big of an area are you bedding with hemp? How long does a bag last you?

Hemp bedding 11 cu ft = >$50.00
Pine Shavings 8 cu ft @$6.50

That gets quite expensive if doing a full remove & replace every week!

 

[fatty and friends]

@fatty and friends how many ducks do you have? How big of an area are you bedding with hemp? How long does a bag last you?

Hemp bedding 11 cu ft = >$50.00
Pine Shavings 8 cu ft @$6.50

That gets quite expensive if doing a full remove & replace every week!

just 4 ducks! we use "eaton pet and pastures" and it's cheapest to buy on chewy instead of their website! ($19.99 per bag i think?)

 

[ProudRedneck]

just 4 ducks! we use "eaton pet and pastures" and it's cheapest to buy on chewy instead of their website! ($19.99 per bag i think?)

How big of an area are you covering with just the hemp bedding? I have a 4'x8' covered run and buy 4 bales ($6.50/ea) of the pine flakes at a time and that can last me about two (2) months. I use approx. 1½ bales of an 8 cu ft large shavings on a full cleanout, then the other 2½ bales to top off as needed.

I'm sorry if I am being too nosey on what you spend. I have heard great reviews on hemp but I haven't seen any information or updated thoughts about using it long term in relation to costs, and when I did see those reviews it was always with chickens that free range all day, only inside a small coop and not in the run.