Nesting box/coop floor materials to avoid impacted/sour crop???

[Sirena]

I've read on here that many use straw, grass and other such for nesting boxes and to put on the floor of the coop and run. My question.... I'm pretty sure one of our hens has sour crop and we're in the process of treating it. So if straw, grass can cause impacted/sour crop what is a good alternative? Winter is coming and we want the coop to be nice and cozy for our hens, plus we want to give them a nice place for nesting. We're newbies at this, these are our 1st hens, and want to do it right, but do NOT want to go thru this sour crop situation again. Any suggestions would be very welcome! Thanks

Sirena

 

[galvinj]

I've read on here that many use straw, grass and other such for nesting boxes and to put on the floor of the coop and run.  My question.... I'm pretty sure one of our hens has sour crop and we're in the process of treating it.  So if straw, grass can cause impacted/sour crop what is a good alternative?   Winter is coming and we want the coop to be nice and cozy for our hens, plus we want to give them a nice place for nesting.  We're newbies at this, these are our 1st hens, and want to do it right, but do NOT want to go thru this sour crop situation again.  Any suggestions would be very welcome!  Thanks

Sirena

I use either pine or aspen shavings for the floor and nesting boxes. Turn it over once in a while and change it as needed.

 

[aart]

Straw usually doesn't cause impacted/sour crop, because it's dry and they won't likely eat it.
It fresh green grass clippings off the mower that they can gorge on and plug up the crop.

I use shavings on floor and straw in nests and sand/PDZ on roost boards.

 

[barneveldrerman]

I would use pine shavings. It absorb wetness and is pretty inexpensive.


Hope this helps!

 

[allpeepedout]

Pine shavings for floor and soft hay for nest boxes. When I give fresh lawn grass or clover, I chop it up to avoid the impaction issue. I also feed alfalfa hay in winter and have never had impaction.

There is a big fan base for using sand on floors here on BYC but there are critics also, including one chicken vet. Edited to add: sand on poop board sounds like a good idea if you have time to scoop the poop.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I have never had any crop issues, I use shavings and hay for bedding, and I feed my chickens grass clippings all summer, not sure what causes it, my guess would be some sort of bacteria involved.

 

[aart]

Impacted crop is from eating too much fibrous stuff...if it doesn't move thru the crop fungus and/or bacteria can start to grow in there, then it's sour crop.

I give mine grass clipping in moderation, I notice a lot of it moves right thru them rather undigested...evidence shows on the droppings board.

 

[lindalouly]

Provide plenty of grit to help prevent a bound crop. When my girls are young I use pine pellets. As they grow I use shavings. My girls would eat the straw too if given a chance. Fresh clover and grass that they pick them selves from the lawn break off in small pieces. Anyway. The main thing is make sure they have a good grit available. Good luck!!!

 

[aart]

Provide plenty of grit to help prevent a bound crop. When my girls are young I use pine pellets. As they grow I use shavings. My girls would eat the straw too if given a chance. Fresh clover and grass that they pick them selves from the lawn break off in small pieces. Anyway. The main thing is make sure they have a good grit available. Good luck!!!

Grit doesn't do much in the crop, it moves into the gizzard and that is where it does it's work of grinding.