Hay vs Straw

[ajohn151]

I bought some Timothy grass hay thinking it would be a soft/warm bedding for my ducks. I was thinking of adding it on top of my wood flakes I get from TSC. I just read that hay can cause crop impaction? Is that true? Should I not use the hay? Should I use straw instead? I thought straw was too sharp for their feet? Thanks all! Have a great weekend.

 

[AltonaAcres]

I kind of doubt your ducks would eat so much hay it'd cause impacted crop. Maybe try it and keep an eye on them for a couple of days. I use straw for my chickens and it works well and keeps the coop insulated.

 

[TomCahalan]

Ducks do not eat grass, which is what hay mainly consists of.

 

[KaleIAm]

My ducks do eat grass - everyday. But I have never seen them eat hay.

My avian veterinarian recommended that I use straw or hay as bedding for my ducks. She prefered hay. So I have been, for years, and I have never had any problems with impaction. That doesn't mean it can't happen. They are ducks, after all. ;-)

 

[FuzzyCritters]

I use hay in my duck house. The ducks love it, it's their favorite nesting material. Never had any problems with the ducks eating hay. I would not do straw because it is not very absorbent, and will become a wet, soggy mess with ducks.

 

[MadamPoofyBrow]

I always use straw because of the price of hay here, and it has served me well. I’ve not heard of hay causing problems, though.

 

[nchls school]

I do not disagree with the other posts, but doesn't hay get moldy faster when damp. If so, wouldn't that be a concern? I am new to ducks this Spring after having ducks 50 years ago.

 

[KaleIAm]

I do not disagree with the other posts, but doesn't hay get moldy faster when damp. If so, wouldn't that be a concern? I am new to ducks this Spring after having ducks 50 years ago.

Faster than what?

I find that both straw and hay get moldy quickly. I keep drinking water out of the barn room where my ducks sleep. I have to completely clean out the room every week.

I used to use wood shavings and they are easier to work with and don't mold as quickly. But I switched because of bumblefoot issues.

 

[416bigbore]

I like to use fresh wheat straw on the bare ground and I keep a fan blowing on it to move the air. I also fluff it every morning and it seems to work and help keep it from molding.

https://iamcountryside.com/homestea...ne, straw is a,chicken coop and nesting boxes.

 

[swampfox440]

Hay is good for me . These Swans will build a huge nest they even pick up sticks , and all kinds of stuff but mainly hay about 4 bales per for nest that cygnet in my avatar is bigger than it's parents but they are tame .