Is straw bad in the run?

[mandi224]

I just called Tractor Supply to see if they had any straw in stock (because I'm running low and don't have a local source at the moment). It's been very, VERY rainy and wet here, and I've been tossing fresh straw in the run to keep the mud down. Every other day or so, I rake it out and throw it in the compost, then I throw fresh straw down.

The girl on the phone at Tractor Supply told me that I really should use wood chips instead of straw because "straw breeds bacteria" -- is this true? Are wood chips any better?

 

[AldenK]

I use mulch it is just like wood chips but there is nothing wrong with using hay

 

[kmartinez]

The girl on the phone at Tractor Supply told me that I really should use wood chips instead of straw because "straw breeds bacteria" -- is this true? Are wood chips any better? 

Wet pine shavings can grow bacteria just like straw. The key is to keep it maintained. I use straw in my pen and duck pen. I turn misters on for a couple hours by sundown the pens are dry.

I have no issues with straw. The coop floor i use shavings because it absorbs better than straw

 

[AldenK]

Throw some of your feed on it to keep it mixed up

 

[ksguy]

Straw is going to be a lot easier to maintain. Wood chips are more likely to get buried in the mud, making raking them out more difficult. Plus, since you mentioned you're composting it, straw composts much more readily than wood chips. Personally I also find the smell of wheat straw to be more appealing than wood chips. As far as bacterial growth, I think either one, left wet and rotting in the run, could be a breeding ground for bacteria.

 

[rides2far]

I throw in oat hay for mine to eat & as flooring. Granted it's bone dry here in Calif., but it's so hot here, I've been spraying the run down like crazy & I've had no problems. If you've been using straw with no issues, I'd stick with it. If it ain't broke, why fix it!

 

[mandi224]

Thanks for all the advice! I really appreciate the input