Best Bedding for Chicken Coops: Sand vs. Shavings vs. Straw
The bedding you choose affects smell, cleaning routine, and chicken health. Some bedding harbors bacteria, others stay fresh longer. Let’s compare the top options: sand, shavings, and straw.
Sand Bedding
- Inorganic → fewer bacteria and mold.
- Dries droppings quickly, reducing odor.
- Helps prevent bumblefoot and frostbite.
- Spot clean with a rake daily.
❌ Heavy to install and not ideal in very wet climates.
Pine Shavings
- Affordable, absorbs moisture well.
- Pleasant pine scent.
- Needs regular replacing—droppings mat quickly.
❌ Can harbor bacteria if damp.
Straw Bedding
- Good insulation in winter.
- Used in deep litter systems.
❌ Poor absorbency, molds quickly, and attracts pests.
❌ Risk of crop impaction if birds eat long pieces.
Alternatives
- Hemp bedding: Low dust, compostable, excellent absorbency.
- Rice hulls or chopped leaves: Eco-friendly and inexpensive.
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