Litter is a term for bedding material in animal production. It is also a generic phrase for used bedding. Wood shavings are essential in the deep-litter poultry production system.

They are the most popular type of litter used to cover the floor of a deep-litter pen. Unlike the battery cage method, the flooring of the chicken pens must be coated with suitable litter material.

Characteristics of a Good Litter

A good litter material should include the following characteristics:

● Be quite absorbent. Specifically, the ability to absorb water and other moistures

● Having weak thermal conductivity or heat conductivity

● Toxins, mycotoxins, and pollutants such as metals and pesticides must be absent

● Not be harmful or hazardous to birds

● Have a quick drying time

● Be able to degrade quickly and be recycled as organic manure

● Be reasonably priced and widely available

Wood shavings have all of the above characteristics, which makes them the best litter or bedding material.

The paucity or unavailability of wood shavings is a key issue for most farmers who use the deep-litter technique. Some farmers do not have enough wood shaving, while others are unable to obtain it.

If obtaining wood shavings is an issue, there are several alternatives to wood shavings that can be utilized as litter materials.

These options can be found locally and are quite inexpensive. So, your concern is no longer valid. Some of the alternative litter materials that are locally available are listed below.

● Rice husks, Rice hulls

● wheat straw, chopped

● maize straw, chopped

● Millet straw, chopped

● Grasses

● Leaves

● Shredded paper or other paper by-products

● Peanut hulls

● Maize or corn cobs

The use of sawdust as a litter material is not recommended because it may create respiratory difficulties in the birds.