Hay for bedding.

[JamieMcClain]

I bought some hay (straw?) bales in bulk (they were on sale) to use as bedding for my ducks and geese. I went to go throw some in their coop today and saw there are mushrooms growing all over them! I assume it’s self composting. Is it still safe to use for bedding???

 

[HappyClucker7]

I wouldn't use it. The mushrooms might be poisonous, and they could potentially make your birds sick.

 

[JamieMcClain]

I wouldn't use it. The mushrooms might be poisonous, and they could potentially make your birds sick.

I thought this too. Guess I’ll get the pine shavings back out!

 

[Kiki]

Can you go take clear pictures of these mushrooms real quick?

 

[DuckyDonna]

I use hay in all my coops but I diligently clean them every single day so there is no moister build up. I do it because it's free and free is good but I have to keep up with it which is why I clean up every day without fail. 19 ducks crap a lot!

 

[reddogmaster2]

I'm no mushroom expert but typically mushrooms that grow in straw or hay will not be poisonous to chickens.

BUT if you catch your chickens boiling the 'Shrooms and drinking the broth while listening to Emerson, Lake and Palmer or Jimmy Hendrix with the Lava Lamp on and Black Light overhead, you might have an issue...

https://www.mushroom-appreciation.com/how-to-grow-mushrooms.html#sthash.jMur91ws.dpbs

 

[JamieMcClain]

Can you go take clear pictures of these mushrooms real quick?

 

[JamieMcClain]

I use hay in all my coops but I diligently clean them every single day so there is no moister build up. I do it because it's free and free is good but I have to keep up with it which is why I clean up every day without fail. 19 ducks crap a lot!

these aren’t even in the coops yet! They’re stilled baled in a shed. We’ve had a lot of rain lately so I’m guessing they got some moisture in them I’d hate to throw away 6 brand new bales though!

 

[Kiki]

View attachment 2227874

@duluthralphie recognize this?

 

[duluthralphie]

@duluthralphie recognize this?

Looks like an inky cap.

I would advise not eating it, some people might eat it, but it has risks. Inky cap reacts badly with alcohol. Even 2-3 days after you eat it.