Hay for bedding?

[JakeA34]

I have a few bantam breeding pens and the floors are made of 1/2” hardware cloth for the litter to fall on the ground and it’s easier to clean up. But since it’s cold is it okay to use hay on top of the wire since it will be able to dry? Or will it cause problems? I’ve always used hay for the nest boxes but never put it in the floors.

 

[StinkyAcres]

Hay is okay as long as it's completely cleaned out often. However, straw is a better choice as it is less likely to cause impacted crops and less likely to become moldy and matted.

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

I use hay in my nesting boxes because I have it lying around. I think straw is better for insulation purposes though.

 

[Ridgerunner]

No matter what you use someone can come up with a reason to not use it while others use it successfully. I think that's because you don't get guarantees when you deal with living animals, sometimes something works and sometimes it doesn't.

My brooder has a 1/2" hardware cloth floor. In cold weather I put a piece of plywood in there so they can get on it if they want to use it t stay warmer. No bedding of any kind. When I need to clean it I tilt it and scrape the poop off through the wire mesh bottom. Just a thought for cold weather.

 

[ABQ chicken keeper]

No matter what you use someone can come up with a reason to not use it while others use it successfully. I think that's because you don't get guarantees when you deal with living animals, sometimes something works and sometimes it doesn't.

My brooder has a 1/2" hardware cloth floor. In cold weather I put a piece of plywood in there so they can get on it if they want to use it t stay warmer. No bedding of any kind. When I need to clean it I tilt it and scrape the poop off through the wire mesh bottom. Just a thought for cold weather.

I agree, if no plywood is available or handy, a layer of thick cardboard should work.