Pine shavings or Straw?

Straw For Sure

 

I have used the same pine shavings since last July. I don't mix it up usually, but sometimes I will throw BOSS in and the hens do it for me. I have not had a problem with it 'matting up'. I do use hay in my nest boxes, though, I think it is softer and the hens seem to like it. Some are sorta picky, but some aren't. I have several hens that lay on top the plastic sack of shavings that sits inside my coop! Silly girls! As soon as the weather dries out/warms up I will do a complete clean out and start over with fresh shavings. I do use Stall Dry and DE occassionally, maybe 1x every 6-8 weeks.

 

Shavings

Straw smells and gets messy in my coop

 

What about cedar shavings rather than pine?

 

Can't use cedar with chickens.


I use the best of both worlds..PINE STRAW. I can't see using anything else. It's easy to clean and it's FREE, plus I use child labor to rake it up.

 

Anybody use Strufex? Its a pelleted straw.

 

I've used the pine shavings for almost a year and I am very happy with it. I use a deep litter but do not compost it with water. I add a little DE every once in a while and turn it with a rake in addition to the chickens turning it. Underneath is a layer that has turned into almost a sand and you can lift the poop out very easily. I know I should clean it out this spring when the weather warms but it is so good now and easy to keep with no odor, that I hate to start over.Lord knows what all is in the mix now but it is great. I do however have some dust and dander. I use pine needles and leaves in the run wihich I rake up and stockpile for the winter and the muddy weather.

 

Quote:i clean out the poop with a litter scoop and I am afraid that I wouldn't be able to "sift"it plus would a pellet stick to and cover the poop so it doesn't get messy?

 

I have tried both and have found the pine shavings easier to clean then the straw...but still prefer my dirt coop floor the best. I too use a cat litter pooper scooper and the straw was just a pain in the heiny.