Wheat Straw or Wood Shavings or Do-You-Have-A-Better-Idea?

[Atlchick]

Our chicken yard is approx. 50' x 100', divided into thirds for about 40 chickens. It's under shade trees and covered with netting. What do you suggest for the ground cover? I own a millwork shop, so I have access to all kinds of wood shavings. I've heard that wheat straw holds moisture and can cause a bad smell and flies. We have FLIES - trying to manage them with DE and fly traps.

What's better? Wood shavings/Wheat Straw/Sand or something else? Thanks for your help in advance!

 

[chuckzoo]

Wood shavings are very absorbent. Wheat straw will give them something to scrach around in, and unless it is wet is OK. Since you have all the shavings I would probably go with the wood shavings, perhaps add a little wheat straw if your climate is not wet, to keep them entertained. I understand wheat straw is warm, so it may be nice for the winter. You can throw a little scratch grains in so they turn which ever bedding you decide on. Apparently the myth that scratch grains cause chickens to overheat has been debunked on this site. However to be on the safe side I would provide the scratch early in the morning.
Good luck and have fun with your chickens!