Using Shredded Paper for Coop Litter - As Good As Wood Chips?

[gtaus]

@gtaus Wondering how you are liking the shredded paper bedding in your coop. I just got a new crosscut shredder and I'm hoping to save on bedding by shredding all the boxes I get with online orders.

I have been using paper shreds almost exclusively for over 3 years now. Crosscut shredders are my staple. I love using paper shreds as coop litter because they are almost dust free compared to using wood chips, or dried leaves, that I used in the past. Also, once I dump the used paper shreds out into the chicken run, they break down into compost in about 2 months in my weather. Very nice. Wood chips and leaves also break down well, they just take longer.

If you plan on shredding all those cardboard shipping boxes, just keep in mind the max sheet capacity of your shredder. I cut all my cardboard into ~2 in wide strips to feed into my 9 sheet shredder, and feed the strips down the center of the shredder where you would put a credit card, for example.

My old hands will cramp up using a heavy duty scissors to cut cardboard into strips. If you are handy with a razor utility knife, that will cut cardboard nicely. I ended up buying a power cutter which makes cutting cardboard much easier and safer. It was a good investment for me not just for cutting up boxes for paper shredding, but also cutting open those nasty plastic blister packs that so many items come in.

I got my latest power cutter from Menards, on sale, for less than $10.00 a few years ago. Their everyday price is $15.00 and still probably the best deal even at that price.

I think I shred about 99% of all our paper and cardboard that we get in the house. It has become my preferred FREE coop litter resource for over 3 years now.