Poll: What Kind Of Bedding Do You Have?

[cupofJoelene]

I have pine shavings in the coop and plan on using straw in the nest boxes. Bring a first time chicken keeper, I've only just recently started the deep litter method. It's only been a short time so take what you will from this, but there's ZERO odor besides the shavings. Pretty awesome so far!

 

[PapaChaz]

I have hay... But I have been reluctant to use it because I am afraid of mites or bugs living in the hay blades... I also love the smell... How do you control the bugs? Maybe I need to add it to my mix! Lol

the mites aren't going to be in the hay unless your chickens already have them or they're brought in by wild birds. If yours are already infested I'd say treat them and get rid of them, in the process of doing that you'd want to change out the bedding anyway

 

[shadow rabbit10]

the mites aren't going to be in the hay unless your chickens already have them or they're brought in by wild birds. If yours are already infested I'd say treat them and get rid of them, in the process of doing that you'd want to change out the bedding anyway

I second this. I have been using straw for years and never had a problem with bugs. The only way you could get bugs from straw is if the straw was infested at the place you bought it from, but I have never had that issue. Or if your birds get mites and bring it into the coop... However, always make sure the straw you purchase isn't moldy, or it doesn't get wet and become moldy. That could get your birds sick.

 

[Bryant Redhawk]

I have hay... But I have been reluctant to use it because I am afraid of mites or bugs living in the hay blades... I also love the smell... How do you control the bugs? Maybe I need to add it to my mix! Lol

To control bugs in a coop or run the best stuff is food grade diatomaceous earth (get it at a feed store, ours is 50 lbs. for 25 dollars) just sprinkle it on all over, it will not hurt the birds at all.
We use straw in the nest boxes, on the coop floor and in the run. We do deep litter method and add lots of grass clippings and leaves to the run DLM but the coop stays fairly straw specific.

 

[mypurtychickens]

I have pine shavings in the coop and plan on using straw in the nest boxes. Bring a first time chicken keeper, I've only just recently started the deep litter method. It's only been a short time so take what you will from this, but there's ZERO odor besides the shavings. Pretty awesome so far!

 

[cupofJoelene]

Thanks! Having fun already with all the informative threads. I'm a big researcher so it's great having all this hands-on info!

 

[mypurtychickens]

Thanks! Having fun already with all the informative threads. I'm a big researcher so it's great having all this hands-on info!

 

[mypurtychickens]

bump!

 

[radochicken]

The reason I use straw is because I like the smell, It lasts longer and, it doesn't stick to your chickens.