In my coop, I use pine shavings. They absorb moisture well and does not mold. I live in swamp east Missouri; high humidity. I also put mint leaves, and other herbs I can spare in the coop; it helps with flies, mice, and smell. I use the deep method and only clean out the coop every 6 months. I put the old shavings in a large compost barrel and water and stir it once every two weeks or so. Then spread it in my veg garden in early spring before the first discing.
In the run, I use straw hay; straw seems to work better out side. Doesn't get as mildew as it does when used inside. It breaks down with 6 months so I just put another bale in the run and let the girls stir and spread the straw around the run.
In the run, I use straw hay; straw seems to work better out side. Doesn't get as mildew as it does when used inside. It breaks down with 6 months so I just put another bale in the run and let the girls stir and spread the straw around the run.