With numerous options available for chicken coop bedding, the choices can be overwhelming. To gather more information, let's consult Marissa Byrum, who serves as the director of communications and the general store manager for Shell’s Feed & Garden Supply.

Byrum possesses valuable insights into the financial and sustainability aspects of chicken coop bedding, as well as which types are more prone to pathogen issues.

Best shaving for chickens

1Pine Bedding

Regarding the best shavings for chickens, Byrum explains, "Pine bedding is the most commonly sold bedding for chickens due to its affordability, decent absorbency, and limited negative effects on chickens."

However, she adds, "The optimal bedding for chickens and its safety depends on the frequency of cleaning. Pine bedding can be a topic of controversy, depending on the research you consult.

Dust from pine bedding can be toxic, and like any other shavings, if left uncleaned for too long, it can promote the growth of mold, and bacteria, and retain ammonia. Regular cleaning is always necessary."

Byrum also highlights potential respiratory problems associated with pine and other hardwood bedding. She says, "If chickens are confined in an area where fresh shavings have just been spread and the door is closed immediately, they may inhale the dust, leading to respiratory issues."

Just because pine bedding is the most common option on the market, that does not necessarily mean it is the best choice.

She advises caution when dealing with dust particles, stating, "We are aware that even humans can experience irritated noses and throats from prolonged inhalation of cedar dust, so it is advisable to avoid these particles."

2Hay and Straw

According to Byrum, hay and straw are the second-most commonly used bedding materials for chicken coops. They are favored by chickens due to their affordability and softness. However, it is not recommended to use hay for chicks in brooders as they may consume it. Similarly, pine shavings should be limited for young chicks, as they can be toxic if ingested.

Both hay and straw are effective in absorbing moisture, but they have a drawback in releasing that moisture, necessitating regular cleaning to prevent the buildup of ammonia.

Byrum suggests that chopped straw is preferable to hay for several reasons. Although both materials can harbor pathogens, chopped straw has less dust and is more absorbent. When bales are compressed, a significant amount of dust can be removed.

3Compressed News Papers and Cardboards

Byrum explains that using compressed newspaper as bedding offers great value for money due to its compactness. However, it does require more frequent cleaning compared to other options. She humorously emphasizes that it's a matter of personal preference, saying, "Six of one, half a dozen of the other—I hate to use an egg pun!"

When it comes to baby chicks, Byrum suggests using regular newspapers rather than glossy paper since most newspapers are printed with plant-based inks. Her recommendation is to use flat newspaper at the bottom and add shredded paper on top to provide better traction for the chickens.

While Byrum mentions using grates in their brooders to allow waste to pass through to the newspaper, she acknowledges that most people use boxes or totes as brooders. She jokes that it's important to avoid overly thick bedding, lest the chicks get lost in it.

Byrum also mentions an alternative called "PitMoss Roost," which is pre-consumer shredded paper and easy to clean. Cleaning involves simply picking up the clump where the waste is and replacing it. Although this option is more expensive than traditional bedding, both newspaper and PittMoss compost easily.

According to PittMoss's website, they claim that their product lasts four times longer than pine shavings, reduces odor significantly, and promotes healthier birds. The composition of PittMoss is similar to hamster bedding.

While Byrum hasn't seen it for sale locally, she has heard good things about cardboard bedding. "Cardboard cuts are small squares of cardboard that are left over from making boxes and other items. " There is almost no dust, and the chickens do not eat it. While it is not very common, it works quite well!"

4Hulls and hemps

Hemp is an alternative option for chicken bedding, although it has some drawbacks compared to other choices. According to Byrum, it is not easily accessible and tends to be more expensive. However, the advantage is that you don't need to use as much of it.

Hemp bedding has a low level of mold and can be used as deep litter. It doesn't retain ammonia for too long if there is proper circulation. The bedding is made from leftover stalks and dried leaves of the hemp plant, with the upper part of the plant used for clothing or paper products.

It has a similar appearance to straw and is considered one of the better options for chicken bedding. It can be used in nesting boxes or in the coop's run.

On the other hand, rice hulls, peanut hulls, and corncobs are not suitable choices for chicken bedding. They are not as absorbent, and being organic materials, they require consistent cleaning to prevent issues.

Byrum explains that these materials have high levels of mold and ammonia retention, making them less desirable. Unless you stumble upon a great deal, it's better to stick with other options.

5Sawdust

Sawdust is an affordable and easily accessible alternative. However, it's important to avoid sawdust from treated wood milling. If it comes from processing raw pine trees, it is similar to pine shavings but smaller and dustier. Sawdust is highly absorbent, lightweight, and composts well. It also provides insulation.

However, it carries the risk of dust and potential mold. Byrum emphasizes the importance of choosing the right type of chicken bedding to avoid respiratory issues, as respiratory problems are a common cause of illness in chickens. Ensuring good air quality is crucial to safeguarding their respiratory systems.

"You could use any of the items we mentioned for the nesting boxes." "Chopped straw and hay, as well as paper products like PittMoss, will insulate the coop," Byrum says.

When Should You Compost?

"You can use PittMoss in coops and runs in a deep litter method," Byrum says. "It will compost in place, which is convenient, and you won't have to worry about it getting too messy." If you need to rake it all out and replace everything—which I recommend doing quarterly—it can go straight to the compost; there's no need to worry about pre-composting because it's just paper."

To accelerate the composting process of plain newspaper, Byrum suggests adding some green material. While it typically takes about a year for wood shavings to fully compost, it can be done faster with higher temperatures and more effort.

Byrum advises against composting old, soiled hay and straw because they have poor composability. Mold can survive at various temperatures, making their composting less effective unless they are kept separate from other compost materials. This process takes a significant amount of time.

Sand in the chicken run

When it comes to the chicken run, Byrum recommends using medium-grade sand as bedding for the coop area. It has several advantages, such as not retaining liquid, not harboring mold-related pathogens, and being easy to clean.

Play sand, on the other hand, poses a problem due to its smaller grain silicates, which can lead to a disease called silicate pneumoconiosis in chickens.

Although medium-grade sand may not be the most cost-effective option initially, it proves to be a long-term money saver since it doesn't require frequent replacement. Additionally, sand helps regulate the temperature throughout the year.

The choice of coop-and-run products depends on factors like your location, budget, and how you plan to handle them when they become soiled. Fortunately, there are numerous options available to cater to different needs.

In conclusion

The choice of chicken coop bedding comes with both benefits and drawbacks. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and well-being of your flock while also facilitating cleanliness and waste management.

However, it is important to carefully consider the specific needs of your chickens and the characteristics of different bedding materials before making a decision.

The benefits of chicken coop bedding are numerous. Firstly, it provides insulation, helping to regulate the temperature and keep the coop warm during the colder months. Additionally, bedding absorbs moisture, reducing the risk of respiratory issues and foot problems caused by damp conditions.

It also creates a comfortable and soft surface for the chickens to walk on, preventing injuries and promoting natural behaviors like dust bathing. Moreover, certain bedding materials, such as straw or wood shavings, can be composted and used as nutrient-rich fertilizer for your garden.

However, there are also drawbacks to consider. Some bedding materials, like straw or hay, can harbor mites, lice, or other pests, which may require extra vigilance and regular cleaning.

Bedding with strong aromatic properties, such as pine shavings, can cause respiratory irritation in sensitive birds. Additionally, certain bedding materials may be more expensive or less readily available, depending on your location.

To make an informed decision about chicken coop bedding, assess the specific needs of your flock, consider the climate in your region, and weigh the pros and cons of different materials.

It's important to strike a balance between comfort, cleanliness, and practicality. Regularly monitor the coop for signs of moisture buildup or pests and adjust the bedding as necessary.

Remember, maintaining a clean and healthy living environment for your chickens is crucial for their overall well-being and productivity. By selecting the right bedding material and practicing good husbandry, you can ensure that your chickens are happy, healthy, and thriving in their coop.