Stay dilemmas

[Creekchics]

I bought a bail of straw, then read it could cause respiratory disease and crop impaction, should I just use it in the nest boxes? Not the run and coop?
I was hoping for a litter lighter than sand and cheap, but don't want to hurt the birds.
If I chop it to avoid crop impaction how long should it be?
Also if I replace once a week would that help avoid respiratory problems?
I'm probably overthinking it I know.

 

[StinkyAcres]

I've used straw for a long time and it never caused crop impaction. Only hay has done that to my chickens. So make sure you have straw and not hay! The two are often confused.

To prevent problems when using straw you need to make sure:

• The bale is free of mold and mites before you use it in the coop. It should smell fresh and be bright yellow.
• It stays very dry in the coop/run. Don't spread it in mud, an uncovered run, etc.; it will mat down and mold.
• Keep an eye on it and clean it out if it gets very wet.