What can I use as nest coop bedding?

[aart]

I use straw for my nestboxes. One bale of hay lasts a long time in 3 nest boxes with 12 hens. Easy to clean as well. That's what I would recommend

For sure. $6 once a year or two.
Works great if you have a dry place to store it.
I made a 'bale bag' to keep it confined after cutting the strings.
This is hay, but have one for straw too.

 

[TropicalBabies]

For sure. $6 once a year or two.
Works great if you have a dry place to store it.
I made a 'bale bag' to keep it confined after cutting the strings.
This is hay, but have one for straw too.

You pay $6 for a bale of hay?!! Ours is $40 hence the cutting grass and shredded paper lol. Eh, lots of fuel to get it to us too... so effort on my part works but still got sticker shock.

 

[Bryce Thomas]

I'm a reuse and recycle kinda gal myself. I use paper from our shredder to line the bottom of my boxes and cut grass, dry on top of coop and bag (old feed bags) It is soft and nice smelling. I can change often cuz it's all free! My girls prefer and it compost wonderfully.
I use wood chips from the county for coop floor and run to freshen and adding the organic material just helps. All free - effort, time and sometimes gas.View attachment 2905659View attachment 2905665View attachment 2905674in a pinch I'll steal alfalfa from the horses. Cheaper than hay

that coop is beautiful ngl

 

[DickMidnight]

You pay $6 for a bale of hay?!! Ours is $40 hence the cutting grass and shredded paper lol. Eh, lots of fuel to get it to us too... so effort on my part works but still got sticker shock.

that’s insane. i just got a bale of koop clean (hay treated with sweet pdz for odor control) for $15

 

[TropicalBabies]

that’s insane. i just got a bale of koop clean (hay treated with sweet pdz for odor control) for $15

The price we pay... deep sigh*** Honestly I was pretty shocked when I heard it too. We finally sourced our alfalfa @$13 per bale, was anywhere from 26- 42. Grown direct down the street now thank goodness.
I did buy pine shavings for the very first time a few months ago and was surprised they were only $20 for a bale.

 

[TropicalBabies]

The price we pay... deep sigh*** Honestly I was pretty shocked when I heard it too. We finally sourced our alfalfa @$13 per bale, was anywhere from 26- 42. Grown direct down the street now thank goodness.
I did buy pine shavings for the very first time a few months ago and was surprised they were only $20 for a bale.

For a byproduct it is insane

 

[aart]

You pay $6 for a bale of hay?!!

For straw, hay is a bit more.

Ours is $40

Well, I imagine there is very little hay or straw grown in HI.
It's all shipped in?

 

[TropicalBabies]

For straw, hay is a bit more.


Well, I imagine there is very little hay or straw grown in HI.
It's all shipped in?

Yes, most is from mainland suppliers. Ok. I may have to correct myself. I am pretty sure I was quoted 40 for straw. I'm curious now and will check again. If for nothing but a good laugh or cry.
Having the old corn seed companies grow alfalfa the last 2 years has cut our horses feed bill in half easy. My DH still complains if I sneak some drops from the bales though lol.