What bedding do you use?

[NoNameHomestead]

Just curious of what everyone is using in their coops, and why you chose to use what you are using.

 

[BantyChooks]

Pine shavings. They are cheap, low maintenance, absorbent, and easy to find. I used to use a mix of hay and pine shavings but that got matted easily. Adding leaves to the pine shavings gives the birds something to do.

 

[NoNameHomestead]

Pine shavings. They are cheap, low maintenance, absorbent, and easy to find. I used to use a mix of hay and pine shavings but that got matted easily. Adding leaves to the pine shavings gives the birds something to do.

I am considering pine shavings, I am using hay right now. Thats a good idea adding leaves for something to do.

 

[The Moonshiner]

Also pine shavings. Sometimes I throw in leaves or chopped straw in the mix.
Shavings work well, easy to deal with and I get it free from work.

 

[The Moonshiner]

I am considering pine shavings, I am using hay right now. Thats a good idea adding leaves for something to do.

I wouldn't ever use hay. It does get too matted and molds easy which is bad.
Straw is better alternative.
Hay is for eating, straw is for bedding. Imo.

 

[NoNameHomestead]

Also pine shavings. Sometimes I throw in leaves or chopped straw in the mix.
Shavings work well, easy to deal with and I get it free from work.

Free is always best!

 

[NoNameHomestead]

I wouldn't ever use hay. It does get too matted and molds easy which is bad.
Straw is better alternative.
Hay is for eating, straw is for bedding. Imo.

Hence the reason I am considering changing. I am spending too much time cleaning that crap (literally) out..lol

 

[Sipplchicks]

I wouldn't ever use hay. It does get too matted and molds easy which is bad.
Straw is better alternative.
Hay is for eating, straw is for bedding. Imo.

Are we talking hay when we mean straw I get the bales at tractor supply for bedding?

 

[1cock2hens]

I cut native grasses by hand once they are a nice and tall them lay it out to dry to use later along with oak leaves. I try to stock up on it in the end of summer/fall for the winter. I use it because it works and it's free

 

[Hope Hughes]

Pine shavings. I agree with @BantyChooks they are low maintenance, easy to clean and easy to use. I use them in the nest boxes, the coop and the brooders. When i clean the coop out i just rake them into the run and the chickens keep them scrached up so its kinda like they are composting them for me lol ​