So many questions

[Belladonaslite]

Hello! I am new to keeping chickens..My husband built a fabulous coop and we got 4 hens and a rooster...does pine straw make good bedding in their boxes? Also I am concerned about the dirt floor inside the coop...Should I put sand in it?? I am about to hang a zucchini so they can play with it because it occurred to me they might be bored..... Thank you for any suggestions.....

 

[BayBay Peepers]

Welcome to BYC!

I use pine shavings in my nest box and so far I like it. I use the bigger flakes so it's nice and fluffy. If you're uncomfortable with the dirt I hear sand works really well. Keeps the moisture down, and is easy to pick through.

Hanging a zucchini sounds like a good idea. You can also hang cabbage, lettuce, or even a swing. I have never used a swing, but it's out there.

What kind of climate and how much room do they have?

 

[dawg53]

Welcome to BYC.

 

[mymilliefleur]

Welcome to BYC!

Good luck with your flock!

 

[Yorkshire Coop]

Hi

Glad you could join the flock! I use just normal straw in my nest boxes they like to make a nice nest in it plus I get it in bulk so costs me less than shavings. Sand is an excellent base for your coop many people use it.

Wishing you the very best of luck with your new chickens and hope you enjoy BYC

 

[Honey B]

Welcome! I use pine shaving in the nest box and straw on the coop floor. I also have a treat ball that hangs from the coop that I stuff with various greens for the girls.

 

[drumstick diva]

Welcome to the flock

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[Wyandottes7]

Welcome!

I'm glad you joined the BYC "flock".

I've used pine wood shavings and would recommend those as bedding. They are absorbent and should be easy to find. Straw, unless it is chopped, isn't as good an insulator and won't absorb as well. It can be used successfully in the nest boxes, however.

 

[BantamLover21]

I'm glad you joined us!

I use wood shavings both in the nest boxes, as well as on the floor of the coop. The shavings seem to absorb moisture well, provide cushioning, and look nice. Other good bedding options include straw (especially chopped straw) and sand.

Good luck with your chickens!