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Buy woodchips? I think not! I use the lawnmower bagger to collect clippings, pine needles/cones, etc. I have used my wheelbarrow and roamed under the pine trees and chestnut trees to collect cones and burrs to add bulk to the mulch. I too only clean out my coop in the spring to put the composted coop mulch on the garden. I have one of those lightweight cheap woodchippers, its not good for much except when it comes to cornstalks, weedstalks, leaves and other easy chopper stuff---that also adds to the mixture for the coop. If you incorporate weed seedheads with the mix, the chickens will constantly turn it over, keeping it well aerorated and clean compost smelling, not ammonia sour.
I use grass clippings too. And pine needles to 'top off' over the winter. Having a poop board that I clean daily has made my litter last a whole year. Periodic 'topping' of the litter will freshen up the smell. I use same stuff for nests too. Best of all, it is free. Hay is also a great mid-winter litter-topper, but I have to buy mine, so I prefer pine needles.