When to remove/change straw

[DonyaQuick]

This is my first time using straw for anything with my chickens; I recently opened up a bale in my daytime run extension so the chickens could have something to dig in where the snow will actually fall through instead of compacting on top. They think it's the best thing since sliced bread. The thick layer of straw has been working well through the latest storm at keeping the snow falling to the bottom so the chickens always have something dry to walk on and dig in. I've read that straw molds more easily than other things like pine shavings (what I'm using elsewhere in the setup). I don't think the straw I've added will get too gross with the temperatures being as cold as they are forecasted to be for a while, but it will warm up at some point. Should I rake it all out as a precaution when things start melting at a good rate?

 

[3KillerBs]

If the area is well-drained there's no particular reason to expect it to mold.

Just watch it and see what happens.

You might find this thread interesting because I talk about the advantages and disadvantages of straw in some depth and others contributed their experience. https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/thoughts-on-bedding-litter-why-i-chose-straw-today.1481550/

 

[Flockincrazy]

This is my first time using straw for anything with my chickens; I recently opened up a bale in my daytime run extension so the chickens could have something to dig in where the snow will actually fall through instead of compacting on top. They think it's the best thing since sliced bread. The thick layer of straw has been working well through the latest storm at keeping the snow falling to the bottom so the chickens always have something dry to walk on and dig in. I've read that straw molds more easily than other things like pine shavings (what I'm using elsewhere in the setup). I don't think the straw I've added will get too gross with the temperatures being as cold as they are forecasted to be for a while, but it will warm up at some point. Should I rake it all out as a precaution when things start melting at a good rate?

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I would rake it up when it thaws

 

[3KillerBs]

I would rake it up when it thaws

Or add wood chips or some other material to help keep it fluffy so that it doesn't pack and mat.

 

[WIchickMama]

i have straw and wood chips, as well as some grass and leaves added in the summer and fall. I just rake it every few days to make sure it is turned all the way. works fine for me

 

[Flockincrazy]

Or add wood chips or some other material to help keep it fluffy so that it doesn't pack and mat.

I only say rake it because it molds and they will eat it and it can make them sick

 

[3KillerBs]

I only say rake it because it molds and they will eat it and it can make them sick

Straw *may* mold. Or it may not -- depending on circumstances such as drainage, aeration, rate of composting, and more.

I've never noticed mine eating straw. The occasional wheat seed out of it, yes, but the straw itself, no.

I'd worry more about the effect of mold spores on their respiratory system than about them eating it.

Straw has been used as animal bedding for as long as people have grown grain and raised livestock. It can't be as awful as it often claimed.

But any bedding should be watched to make sure it's in good condition.

 

[DonyaQuick]

If the area is well-drained there's no particular reason to expect it to mold.

Just watch it and see what happens.

You might find this thread interesting because I talk about the advantages and disadvantages of straw in some depth and others contributed their experience. https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/thoughts-on-bedding-litter-why-i-chose-straw-today.1481550/

Thanks for the link! That was a good read. I did several searches on straw here and didn't turn that up for whatever reason - the top threads all seemed to be about the negatives of straw which is honestly why I waited so long to try a bale of it.

Drainage in my run extension was pretty good up until now, but I will most likely have short term wetness problems when a major melt starts just because of how the snow and ice is stacked up elsewhere. I'm expecting that the snow under the straw will melt and the water will be retained for a bit by an annoyingly thick layer of ice on the ground just outside the run's fence.

 

[3KillerBs]

Thanks for the link! That was a good read. I did several searches on straw here and didn't turn that up for whatever reason - the top threads all seemed to be about the negatives of straw which is honestly why I waited so long to try a bale of it.

Drainage in my run extension was pretty good up until now, but I will most likely have short term wetness problems when a major melt starts just because of how the snow and ice is stacked up elsewhere. I'm expecting that the snow under the straw will melt and the water will be retained for a bit by an annoyingly thick layer of ice on the ground just outside the run's fence.

If you can get some DRY chunky wood chips they'd be a good addition to your run, both helping keep the chickens' feet dry and keeping the straw from matting.

 

[NatJ]

I'm expecting that the snow under the straw will melt and the water will be retained for a bit by an annoyingly thick layer of ice on the ground just outside the run's fence.

Snow underneath the straw will probably melt much later than uncovered snow. The straw acts as an insulator, to protect it from sunlight and warm air.

(Of course your thick layer of ice will also take a long time to melt, so I can't say which will actually melt first. But the timing may be closer together than you currently expect.)