What bedding do you use in your coop, nesting boxes, and run?

[Xiao Casa]

Hi everybody,

So, being new to chicken raising, and almost done with my coop, I have turned towards the matter of bedding. To help myself and anyone else also considering this, here are my three questions. I would like as many responses as I can get, I know that there are many methods, and it is helpful to compare many pieces of advice!

What bedding do you use?
Is there a specific reason why you chose this type?
Have you ever had a problem with what you use, or something that you used in the past?

Thank you everyone for your participation and advice!

 

[cutechick53]

I use timothy hay all through my coop. I've tried a lot of other hay and I like timothy hay the most because in my roost it absorbs the waste the most.

 

[Xiao Casa]

You mean the same kind that they feed rabbits and guinea pigs? Do you find it expensive, or is it pretty affordable compared to the other things you've tried?

 

[cutechick53]

Yes, and it is actually the cheapest I've tried!

 

[haleybraden24]

Hello, I mow the grass in my yard when it gets tall and then I rake it up and put it in they're coop for bedding. Just don't put it in there when it is wet. You don't have to buy it but it is a little bit of work. I change it about every week. it works very well. Before you buy any thing try it.

 

[aart]

Kiln dried large pine shavings on a vinyl floor, they dry the poops up pretty quickly. It can be slippery over the vinyl tho. I add some once a month or so. I did a total change out after 6 months.

Roost board with sand and PDZ(zeolite) mixed about 4:1.Sift the night poops every 2-3 days. Dries the poops and the PDZ absorbs ammonia.

Straw in the nests with some DE underneath the straw(not sure the DE really does much). Change out straw as needed due to poops or just material breakdown.

Pics in My Coop Page link under name.

 

[Going Quackers]

I use flax bedding. I used to use shavings but the flax has been my go to for quite awhile now... since i own many feather footed and fluffy breeds i much prefer it, virtually dust free, very absorbent, lightweight, very compost friendly.

The main down to this product is availability, it's not easy to find, i am fortunate now i have a couple places close to me that do.. i used to drive an extreme distance to buy it but i was that satisfied with it so made the trip worth it to me.

I use the flax in the nest boxes and coops, my runs have nothing.. dirt and grass.

 

[aart]

I use flax bedding. I used to use shavings but the flax has been my go to for quite awhile now... since i own many feather footed and fluffy breeds i much prefer it, virtually dust free, very absorbent, lightweight, very compost friendly.

The main down to this product is availability, it's not easy to find, i am fortunate now i have a couple places close to me that do.. i used to drive an extreme distance to buy it but i was that satisfied with it so made the trip worth it to me.

I use the flax in the nest boxes and coops, my runs have nothing.. dirt and grass.

What part of the flax plant do you use? Can you post a pic?

Never mind googled it......looks basically hay or straw depending on when it was harvested.

 

[Going Quackers]

It's a special flax bedding

http://flaxbed.ca/

 

[RonP]

Nesting boxes - shredded paper - free and easy to replace when soiled.

Coop floor - kiln dried large pine shavings - 8 to 12 inches deep - changed out once per year, dumped into run.

Run floor - wood chips, used pine shavings, dried leaves, yard waste, and basically anything biodegradable - free - 8 - 24 inches deep - composted black gardeners gold gets kicked out of 1/2 hardware fencing and disappears. Level seems to remain constant. Chickens love to dig craters and distribute it for me. I just routinely dump a garbage can full of "browns" into the run. Haven't cleaned it, ever. No mud, bugs, or smell.