wet straw ?????

[kimisfishing]

I have a bunch of straw on the ground in my chicken pen, it got wet in the rain and I am now worried that it is bad for them to be on it. Do I need to clean the wet straw up????

 

[SteveBaz]

Yep. It gets snotty slick and sticky. I use compressed wood chips. $6.00 for a compressed bag that opens up to almost 10 cuft. It is worth it and easy to manage and deal with. When done and dirty you wheel barrel it to the flower beds and compost pile.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

If there's just a little I wouldn't worry about it but if it's a deep layer it will probably get moldy so I'd replace it.

 

[FarmerMel]

I don't think it is bad for them. I put straw in the chicken run year round. Our chicken's feet are cleaner stepping on the wet straw than mud. Though after a really heavy rain, I would put fresh dry straw over the wet straw.

 

[kimisfishing]

I was thinking it should go, I think I will try to get some sand for it, but am going to get the straw out now. Thanks

 

[kuntrygirl]

If it were me, it would have to go. I would change out that wet bedding. Sand is great to use.

 

[kimisfishing]

this is not bedding it is just in the outside pen, but it is going anyway cause it will just keep getting wet

 

[FarmerMel]

Quote:
How does the sand do during the winter time? When it snows? Is the sand too cold for the chickens in the winter? I am thinking about putting sand in our chicken run

Thanks!

 

[kuntrygirl]

Quote:
How does the sand do during the winter time? When it snows? Is the sand too cold for the chickens in the winter? I am thinking about putting sand in our chicken run

Thanks!

I've only had sand since January 2011 and we have not had a cold winter yet, so I'm not sure. I will find out in a few months.

 

[fireguy56]

FarmerMel, I can't answer for Kuntrygirl in Opelousas, La. but here in Slidell, La. (near New Orleans) at 56 years old, I have only seen snow locally 5 times. And it was short lived. So, sand will do just fine even in areas above I-10, which we call the north...just joking. Sand is porous, so snow melt should not be an issue. Just my opinion.
Erik