Pine, Hay or Mulch?

[PurpleChicken]

I'm sure this has come up a few times but I can't find a thread that addresses it.

My coop is two levels and I use hardware screen, I believe 1/4", which I'm told
is bad on the birds claws. It's great cause everything falls through to the gound
and it is very secure.

I tried to use pine shaving but they scratch it through the holes until it's all on
the ground, not in the coop. Now I'm using hay. They like it a lot and it
does seem a lot easier on their feet but I hear hay can turn moldy.

I'd love to hear opinions and preferences on this. Does anyone use a non-cedar
mulch?

Thanks So Much!!!

 

[MTchick]

If you are keeping the water above the hay, then mold could be a real problem from the water getting knocked into the hay. If you are keeping the water outside and there are no leaks in your roof, the straw should be fine. Mold on straw is harmful to you, too, so if you feel sneezy near your coop or smell anything moldy, that is a sign that your coop is not staying dry enough.

-MTchick