by Kim Berg, CoopCrate staff writer
Bedding is a crucial component for your chicken coop. Not only does it provide a bit of extra comfort for your chickens, but it also provides absorption of waste, odor control, and a soft place for eggs to be laid. A dirty coop with minimal bedding is a great place for bacteria to grow, which can make your chickens sick. Hard surfaces can also cause those treasured eggs to crack! Here are some bedding choices to consider for your coop.
Shavings
These are also a popular choice for your adult chickens. Though they tend to be on the more expensive side, they can be removed in smaller sections, meaning you will waste less clean shavings (and they can be a bang for your buck!). Be careful choosing “mini-flake” shavings; they can be ingested by your chickens, and the dust can create respiratory issues in your flock. Shavings with larger flakes are usually a better choice!
In addition, some chicken owners recommend that you avoid cedar shavings, as these can give off fumes that are toxic to your chickens. Pine shavings are a safer choice.
Straw
Straw is easy to find. It is also easy for your chickens to dig around in, and is less likely to get caught up in their feathers. Straw is also great for helping to keep your chickens warm. However, straw can be hard to clean, as it often can only be picked up in larger clumps. And because it does not absorb waste well, it can get smelly fast!
Sand
Sand has become a popular choice for bedding in recent years. You will want to choose a medium to coarse grain sand, which looks more like fine gravel. This could be mortar sand, concrete sand, or riverbank sand… all of which are similar to cat litter! Soiled sand usually clumps together, and can be easily removed with a scooper. Some chicken owners will simply flip sand over to clean the coop, though the droppings will still add up over time. Some great benefits of sand? No smell, good drainage, and unlimited dust baths for your chickens!
The Deep Litter Method
This method of bedding can keep your flock warm during the winter months. Layer organic matter, such as wood shavings, all over the floor of the coop. Rather than cleaning these shavings out, you will simply need to turn over the soiled shavings, which will move the droppings towards the bottom of the coop. Continue topping the bedding with fresh shavings as needed. Over time, a compost layer will develop. This contains beneficial microbes and will keep your flock warm during those cold nights. The natural process of composting will also prevent lice and mites.
A fun extra benefit? You will have great compost for your spring garden!
How often should I clean out the bedding?
In general, when bedding gets wet, you should remove it as fast as possible. Even if your bedding is wet due to the spillage of clean water, it can still provide a place for bacteria to grow.
Some chicken owners pick droppings out of their coops daily. Wood shavings should be replaced weekly, on average. If you are using the deep litter and composting method, it is acceptable to change your bedding every 3-6 months.
If you choose a quality bedding and stay on top of your cleaning duties, you will maintain a cozy coop that your chickens will thrive in!