I think I’m allergic to pine shavings :(

[new_chickees]

What can I use in our outdoor coop that would be least likely to mold/mildew that’s not pine based? It’s in a shaded area and we live in a more humid environment.

 

[danceswithronin]

I just use brown mulch in mine and then occasionally throw fresh dry straw over the top of it. When it starts to get soiled/battered down into the dirt by the chickens scratching, I'll rake the majority up into the compost pile and lay fresh hay.

I use Kaytee's Clean and Cozy animal bedding in my coop for the main areas and then timothy straw in the nest boxes. Have never had an issue with mold using either material as long as they are changed regularly (once a week is optimum for me but once every two weeks is more realistic).

 

[Sequel]

What can I use in our outdoor coop that would be least likely to mold/mildew that’s not pine based? It’s in a shaded area and we live in a more humid environment.

Have you considered sand? Lots of people love it!

 

[Lemon88]

I use aspen shavings in my coop. I believe it's better for them bc it doesn't have those irritating oils like pine or cedar do.

 

[chickens really]

I'm allergic to shavings and chickens..
Just spring and other allergies I have make it worse. I use pine shavings. I take allergy medication too..​

 

[new_chickees]

Have you considered sand? Lots of people love it!

I would love to use sand because I happen to have a lot on hand, but I read somewhere that little chicks can ingest it. Is this true or just internet bogus?

 

[new_chickees]

I just use brown mulch in mine and then occasionally throw fresh dry straw over the top of it. When it starts to get soiled/battered down into the dirt by the chickens scratching, I'll rake the majority up into the compost pile and lay fresh hay.

I use Kaytee's Clean and Cozy animal bedding in my coop for the main areas and then timothy straw in the nest boxes. Have never had an issue with mold using either material as long as they are changed regularly (once a week is optimum for me but once every two weeks is more realistic).

thank you! Knowing how often to change things out was my follow up question lol

 

[new_chickees]

I use aspen shavings in my coop. I believe it's better for them bc it doesn't have those irritating oils like pine or cedar do.

aspen! I know I’m not allergic to that

 

[chickens really]

Just never use cedar shavings.

 

[rosemarythyme]

If you're not allergic to aspen it's a good choice, a little more expensive but I personally prefer it to pine.