What Litter Should I Use For My Coop?

[mintychick]

I am releasing my chicks to the coop, and I don't know what litter to use. Should I use hay, newspaper, or is there another alternative?

 

[imnukensc]

Pine shavings is what I use.

 

[blackdog043]

I use pine shaving also.

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome! x3 for pine shavings here. There are other choices, depending on what's available where you live.
Mary

 

[MIchickenlady]

I love using construction grade sand in my coop, scoop with kitty litter scooper.
Easy peasy. I get bags at Home depot-*dry*, not wet.

 

[CoChiChick]

Pine pellets and/pine shavings

 

[pintail_drake2004]

pine shavings for the base. Then I add pine needles and hay once a week.

 

[Benderb15]

I use pine shavings for the coop floor and nesting boxes. Although many people have great success with sand.

 

[aart]

I am releasing my chicks to the coop, and I don't know what litter to use. Should I use hay, newspaper, or is there another alternative?

Depends on your long term plan to manage manure.
This is about 'cleaning' but covers all my beddings.
-I use poop boards under roosts with thin(<1/2") layer of sand/PDZ mix, sifted daily(takes 5-10mins) into bucket going to friends compost.

-Scrape big or wet poops off roost and ramps as needed.

-Pine shavings on coop floor, add some occasionally, totally changed out once or twice a year, old shavings added to run.

-Runs have semi-deep litter, never clean anything out, just add smaller dry materials on occasion, add larger wood chippings as needed.

-Nests are bedded with straw, add some occasionally, change out if needed(broken egg).

There is no odor, unless a fresh cecal has been dropped and when I open the bucket to add more poop.

That's how I keep it 'clean', have not found any reason to clean 'deeper' in 5 years.

Oh, and...Welcome to BYC! @mintychick
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!

 

[mintychick]

Thank you so much for the helpful information!! I've already placed straw int heir nests and I'll find some pine shavings!