The BEST Chicken Bedding for YOUR Flock

[@mightbebatman3659]

Plug for the chickenlandia course... my high schooler and I used it for his home school poultry course. It was very well done. We both learned a lot. It was fun and my teenage son said he enjoyed it. In my opinion, the course is G rated and family friendly, but most appropriate for 8-10 year Olds and up. Definitely worth the money and an awesome addition to a homeschooling course.

[@WelcometoChickenlandia]

Wow, thank you so much!! If you ever have any questions remember to ask them within the course. You can do that for as long as the course exists. Either myself or my co-instructor try to get to them within 24 hours. It’s just another perk of the course! Really appreciate it. ❤️🐔🎓❤️

[@Marvin-si5pu]

Can I ask? Questions: 1. Describe the video. 2. What bedding material is used in the video? 3. How is bedding installed in the poultry house?

[@shdwbnndbyyt]

Currently I am using fresh grass clippings every week... they are FREE!!! And the chickens love to eat them freshly cut.

[@WelcometoChickenlandia]

NICE!!

[@e.s.92]

I never thought about doing that 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️I definitely should try that next summer

[@walnuttree4]

Just be careful if you or someone else uses chemicals on our near the grass! :)

[@carljensen5730]

I love the creativity of using something that is FREE. I personally have a chipper and I use it for great bedding. I think I am going to add fresh cut grass to the mix.

[@shdwbnndbyyt]

@@walnuttree4 I do use flea/tick killer twice in the warm seasos... but the part of the yard that is treated is not fed to the chickens for two weeks... and several rains (NE Ohio, rains almost every day... usually cloudier and rainier than the Pacific NW in my area)

[@walnuttree4]

We used wood chips in the run and pine wood shavings in the coop and nesting boxes for a while. It worked until the rain and snow for WA. It ended up turning into mud. This summer we now have sand in the run and coop (SO easy to clean and doesn't smell! No more buying wood shavings either! We only have 7 hens though so everyday cleanup is easy) and artificial grass mats in the nesting boxes. They are easy to hose off and the hens love them! Great video!

[@schammond8993]

My coops sit on a concrete footing. (We have every predator you could name). I fill the interior footing area with river sand about 5 inches deep. Top that with 3/4 inches of dirt. Top that with mulched bark chips. It may sound like over kill but the drainage is great and they are never wet. We've had a ton of rain this year. The girls are high and dry. Well done Madam President. 👏

[@christian_cantarutti]

We are just starting our first coop for 3 to 4 chickens. You are my favourite person to get info from. You have a great way of presenting information in a way that is not overwhelming. Thank you!

[@JBSRCS]

Bahahaha! The clip with “you” running with the chicken up the hill… I’m dying 😂

[@WelcometoChickenlandia]

Not many commented on it but I LOLed when the editor sent that part over hahaha!

[@JBSRCS]

@@WelcometoChickenlandia, it was hilarious! I literally did laugh out loud! You are the best. I love your humor and your sensitivity and your common sense and your honesty… I could go on. Thanks for all you do. 😘

[@WelcometoChickenlandia]

@@JBSRCS ❤️❤️❤️

[@rodcaronsax]

I use pelletized bedding from TSC. A 40lb bag gets mixed with 5 gallons of water in a wheelbarrow. Wait 20 minutes and the pellets break down to a large particle saw dust. It is used for horses, goats, etc. It's super absorbent and cheap. Poops get scooped out like a cat litter box. It can also be used in a litter box. Other chicken owners are amazed at how clean and odor free my coops are. I use artificial turf in my nesting boxes.

[@321morlan4]

I didn’t realize we could use the pelletized bedding in coops, seems more cost effective than the pine shavings. Do you still use this?

[@slider43000]

Ms. President, you are so FUNNY! And very informative...lol You make learning so enjoyable. Thank you!

[@WelcometoChickenlandia]

Aww you’re so welcome!

[@robinham2796]

I used sand this summer! Perfect for summer. Now I’m doing deep Litter this winter. Using shavings and straw.

[@RoslinLassie]

I use chopped hemp in my run (sand gets too wet in the run) and I use sand in the hen house floor which I sieve. The hemp is used in horse stables as well. I use the hemp in the nest boxes as well as there’s no ‘tubes’ of straw to hide mites in

[@WelcometoChickenlandia]

I really need to try hemp again!

[@bethpruitt9595]

I love your personality and knowledge about chickens!❤❤❤

[@WelcometoChickenlandia]

Aww thank you!

[@jimmylarge1148]

I subbed just for the “you running through the desert with a gun and a chicken” skit.

[@WelcometoChickenlandia]

😂 ❤️

[@tinkertoot6361]

I use newspaper just under my roost. Change once a week. No odor and easy clean up. I’ll completely cover my floor in the winter for insulation.

[@jessicaj8148]

I like that idea. Thanks

[@WelcometoChickenlandia]

I used to do that too when I had a different style of coop!

[@tanjavbpioentje]

That is a great idea!

[@carmenk3335]

You are a JOY to watch! Thank you!

[@lisagayhart2482]

I use dry leaves and dried grass clippings in the fall . Totally free. And pine tree needles if I am raking some up. I use sand under the roost and in the spring I buy either hay or pine shavings .

[@WelcometoChickenlandia]

Brilliant!

[@Mmbohn1]

Do you cut the grass and then just let it dry out? Do you spread out the cut grass clippings? Cause it molds if you lay it in the ground just cut

[@lisagayhart2482]

@@Mmbohn1 depends . Mostly I dry it like hay . And bag it in trash bags for later. In November when it is getting cold I use the greener stuff. It makes compost and warms the coop in January by 10 degrees at least.

[@onemoredoll5791]

I do sand in my open run and deep litter on the open air coop side. Its just far too hot here in the desert to have all shavings. We have very good ventilation but we keep the sand wet when its 115°+ to keep chickens cooler. Makes for a fly mess but today the flies are gone after sprinkling it with Saturday Lime

[@WelcometoChickenlandia]

A perfect example of going with what works for your climate! 😃

[@MrSpinnerbug]

I have found HEMP to be the absolute best bedding for my chicks. I change it once a year! Totally absorbent and i use a cat poop scoop to clean it. On the roost poop board I use wood shavings cleaned each day in 5 min. The entire floor is HEMP AND IT IS GREAT!

[@nope5749]

Agreed! And hemp has low dust and really controls the odor!

[@joeyl.rowland4153]

But the cops will take me to jail for growing that😀😀😀😀

[@Barosunflower]

Where do u get it ?

[@WelcometoChickenlandia]

I need to try it again! The one time I used it, it just didn’t work as well for me as shavings or straw. But it’s possible that it was not great quality hemp.

[@nope5749]

@@Barosunflower I buy it off of Amazon and it gets delivered straight to my house. It's by a company called rent a coop. It seems a little bit expensive but you don't have to replace it very often. I've had mine covering the ground of the coop for 6 months now and it's doing fine.

[@danilynn64]

I have a small coop and use hemp bedding. I absolutely love it! every day I do a top layer poop cleanup and turn the bedding weekly. It keeps fresh and no stink for a year! But, I do change it out every six months because I use it in my gardens.

[@SmellThePines]

My local feed store suggested Flax Bedding, I've since switched from pine and love it. Smells great and absorbs more.

[@WelcometoChickenlandia]

Oooooh I’m going to check that out!

[@PeacefulPlanting-Sydnee]

What brand do you get?

[@Chris-b4w8t]

Is it dusty? I currently use pine pellets but the dust is crazy

[@summerhill_homestead]

I use shavings in my coop, hay in my nesting boxes and tree mulch in the run. We get it delivered for free from the tree companies and it works great in the run. As far as the shavings in the coop, I really like hemp the best but it’s a lot more expensive then pine, so I’m back to the pine. I’ve never used sand. I don’t want to scoop everyday either.😂 I do try to rake the bottom of the coop each morning though. Their coop is small and I don’t want them walking on poop to get to the egg boxes.

[@WelcometoChickenlandia]

Sounds like a good system!

[@-LOL69]

@Soulshine Life Hi. I use the same method. Tree mulch delivered free in the run and pine shavings in nesting boxes and coop. I put dried herbs in coop and boxes too. My question is I don't know how deep everything should be? How often do you clean or change the bedding/run?

[@-LOL69]

Also, I saw someone saying use shredded paper in run to help absorb odor. I haven't tried it yet.

[@deborahembry7292]

Great info! Because I have allergies, I have found sand to be the best for my coop. My coop is only used for roofing at night or to lay eggs in the nest box. I scoop out the night droppings every morning when I let them out and it really keeps the flies down.

[@sandrasamosa6444]

We use hemp bedding in our coop. It is pricy but we prefer it over all of the other types we have used… and our flock loves it!!!

[@WelcometoChickenlandia]

That’s great!

[@plentifulprairie]

Best video yet on sand for a coop. Thank you for all the info. Based on how I tend my coop and climate, I'm sticking to pine woodchips.

[@PinkieJoJo]

I have used varying items. I started with Pune shavings and did the deep liter method. But, in the winter we added straw on top of the shavings and build it up around the edges of the coop. We stirred it up as needed and it helped keep them warm. In the Spring we completely cleaned it all out. We tried bedding pellets but I kind of felt it got stinker faster because really there was not enough actually liquid to dissolve them. The pop was all just sitting on top. So I sprinkled some water on and it was much better. It lasted all summer with just doing a big of scooping and stirring here and there. Now that it is nearly fall I am doing a mix of shavings and pellets. In our run we have done pellets which are amazing but pricy to do the whole run. All summer we simply did grass clippings from our yard. In the winter we do straw.

[@WelcometoChickenlandia]

It’s great you found out what worked for you!

[@threewillowsfarm7779]

I use sand and straw. I clean out straw every other day. Works great. Not stinky. You make me smile.

[@michelled34]

I use pine shavings and the deep litter method. I love it.

[@cedarrockcabin3633]

My answer is partially hydrated pine pellets. I have 2 prefab TS coops inside a covered 10x10 dog kennel. In the run I use pine pellets on the ground. I loved it so much that I wanted it inside my coop. Whole pellets inside the coop didn't work for me. So I put some pellets in a bucket and added some water (don't go crazy with water, you just want to start the process of them dissolving to create some saw dust). If you add too much water, drain out the water & add more pellets, stir it up to soak up the water. Once it's close to how you want it (saw dust with lots of partially dissolved pellets) dump it out into a wheel barrow or wagon & set it in the sun to dry (it will feel dry, but I don't want moisture inside my coop). Put shavings or bedding of choice in the nesting box and everywhere else put the pellet mixture. Droppings aren't mixed in with shavings so spot cleaning is easy.

[@carljensen5730]

I really like the open mindedness here. I live on ten acres with many fruit trees, so I have a chipper. I use those chips for my chickens, using the deep litter method. My chicken run is on a concrete slab because we have some serious predators, and I cover the run floor with a thin layer of dirt. This dirt gets shoveled out a quarter of the run at a time.

[@ysamgreen]

THank you for bring YOUR light to the world!!! Rebuilding an old coop I just acquired. Hoping to have chickens in the Spring. Thanks for your knowledge and insight.

[@ShortbusMooner]

Florida, here: only 4 backyard girls, with a small coop next to the house and a decent sized portable run. I use hay in the coop, and I clean their roost tray every day (by hand, with plastic glove). It's really so easy- easier than hamsters! But, I rake the run about once a week (sand & grass)..

[@WelcometoChickenlandia]

Sounds like a good system!

[@ShortbusMooner]

Thank you, ma'am! Seems to work..😁👍

[@lc91902]

👏👍 I start with a base of aspen or pine shavings, then add hemp straw to fluff up with deep litter method.

[@WelcometoChickenlandia]

Nice!!

[@rayharvey1581]

I found sugar cane mulch works well. If your pen area is weatherproof and dry the smell of the mulch keeps the chicken smells down.

[@henrybressack77]

We live in NW Florida, we started with hay in the coop and run. LOL we put so much (not knowing), the chickens were high steeping, LOL. With much less was better. We did that for a while and found it harder to clean up and lots of flies. Switched to wood flakes, better for our everyday cleaning. Once a week heavy cleaning and replenishment. Our supplier ran out of flakes, tried shavings. WOW!! so much better to clean up. during the week we clean the coop every morning, while outside with coffee. Takes 15min max. Sunday we rotate old shavings under roost and new in the walkway. We have sand in our runs, again very easy for cleaning and draining. Hope this helps someone in deciding what to use.

[@hannahwilliams2472]

I'm cracking up😂😂😂 "Great Substrate Debate😂🎉🎉🎉" I love this channel, immediate subscription. Pure and clean funny

[@evanorvell8368]

Thanks for the info! I REALLY want to know how you keep grass growing in your run!

[@jessicaj8148]

I like using straw now. I used to use pine shavings. The straw just is so easy. Sometimes I use a combination. I do deep litter in winter. In summer I clean out the coop once a week because of flies being attracted to the poop. I’ve heard of people using dried coffee grounds which sounds interesting but seems like it would get heavy if it got wet from poop or wet feet

[@WelcometoChickenlandia]

I also like using a combo!

[@carlamahlberg1854]

We use hemp where they roost and sand in the run, and I love it ❤

[@WelcometoChickenlandia]

Awesome!

[@robertcastello2961]

Good video. I use pine shavings as I have no intention of scooping poop every day. Also I believe the deep litter method best for many reasons. Dixie General Store Heflin Alabama

[@virgilbraddy2569]

Fresh grass in the summer is perfect; the girls love it and you don.t have to spread it out. They do it for you! Also, a roost poop catcher board under the roost bars is perfect. I clean it every other day with a home made scraper into a bucket which can go in regular trash pickup or your garden. Got the idea from UTube! And, 8 in of pine shavings have lasted about a year with 5 hens. It gets turned every time I clean the roost board.

[@midsouthhomestead7527]

So far, I have had great luck here in Southwest TN with PINE SHAVINGS. Thanks for the baby chick tips!

[@melodiegasaway3038]

What works for me us by the doors I use bedding pellets die to it gets wettest it just breaks down to a dust the rest of my coop I use fine pine shavings seems to hold up best with the ducks also in the same coop

[@WelcometoChickenlandia]

Smart!

[@melodiegasaway3038]

@@WelcometoChickenlandia Thank you

[@dawnmplayer]

Thanks for the simple down to earth explanation

[@nate665]

A bale of straw, $10.50 at my local feed store, deeply covers my coop floor, also use it outside in the run to stop it from becoming too muddy in the winter.

[@catlinhollow]

I use paper towels for the first few days, then I switch to aspen shavings for the rest of the time in the brooder. My coop is crushed limestone sand/gravel and my run is soil/straw. The sand works well for my coop because it is only 4x8 and is raised 2.5 feet off the ground. I have 3 doors on each of long sides, so have full waist height reaching access to all parts of the coop.

[@clp6743]

I use sand in my run and gone pine shavings in the coop.

[@Jordyeaglegaming]

Hooray!! I’ve been waiting for another video I literally stalk my notifications to see that chickenlandia has posted LOL

[@WelcometoChickenlandia]

Haha yay!! Happy to oblige. ❤️🐔❤️

[@taylorshomestead3934]

I use bought pine shavings, deep litter method. Works good. I’ve heard hemp shavings are even better.

[@WelcometoChickenlandia]

I've heard that too!

[@evermore4487]

Thank you! Perfect timing as I'm preparing to lay down some peat moss in my chicken run because of muddy conditions. I was planning on laying down sand first, then topping that off with the moss, but now I'm reconsidering the sand. 🤔 You may have saved me a lot of grief.

[@WelcometoChickenlandia]

Some people really like it and it works well for them. I think so much of it depends on the climate you live in! 🐔😃

[@tolynette]

I get 30 lbs of wood pellet bedding from Walmart for $5.88 ea. You add water and it breaks up and swells to about double. I live in a dry area and do deep litter with regular solids taking. No smell and works great for my girls.

[@WelcometoChickenlandia]

Awesome!

[@Kwash56]

I use hemp. It makes the coop smell wonderful. I have heard many times that you should never use cedar chips. Back in the 80s, that is all I used for my girls……and the fellas that were there, because it was free for me. Nothing ever happened to any of the chickens as far as I know….and they never had any kind of bug problem.

[@WelcometoChickenlandia]

Sometimes I do wonder how much truth there is to the cedar thing and how much of it is just what we’ve accepted because that’s what we’ve been told. Since there are so many other options I haven’t really looked into it in depth.

[@cathyl4622]

I use dry leaves and pine needles deep litter inside coop. When we get alot of rain here in NC (clay soil) I will put the same in the run. If I miscalculate and run out I'll spread a few bags of the pine in the run as well.

[@WelcometoChickenlandia]

Nice!!!

[@hopehall-sanchez1913]

I have used pine shavings for 5 years and so far no problems.. I might try hemp. 😍

[@WelcometoChickenlandia]

I need to try it again!

[@persephonesplayroom420]

The only "issue" I've had with wood shavings was with my Japanese Bantams when they were younger. Someone ate a bit of chip and had a bloody poo, which scared me but only happened the once, never since, and whoever did it is fine now because all of my bantys are alive and well (and think they own the whole farm). My only advice would be to watch individual birds to make sure they don't try to eat them, but I use wood shavings along with paper and straw, and so far it has worked well for my 3 coops! It's too wet here for sand but the "garden" is their bath and it is a big pile of sand with chicken friendly plants, all for them, so I'm sure they'd love a sand substrate if I gave it to them...but I am on Team Lazy!!

[@WelcometoChickenlandia]

#teamlazy is the BEST lol! Also, I have one Japanese bantam and yes, I think she rules the whole yard hahah.

[@iris.inspired]

I use woodchips ontop of the native soil in my covered run. They & I turn it often. They can scratch for goodies, I can plant right into it for grazing frames and it makes great compost. I use pine shavings in my coop but have found a new product I'm curious to try in the coop called PittMoss. Anyone try that?

[@WelcometoChickenlandia]

I haven’t tried that but would love to hear about it!

[@kellykibbe-smith5396]

To the President of Chickenlandia!!! ❤ Love your content and your knowledge. I found this video entertaining. You make me smile 😄I’m having this huge debate with my own thoughts right now for my coop. We are building it now for chickens in the spring. I’ve been researching what is best. Obviously i haven’t found a solid answer. But I’m thinking shavings/deep litter the first year and winter. If it doesn’t work like I’m expecting, then I’ll try sand. With maybe some coffee grounds for a nice aroma. I’ll probably put sand in the Run as I’m expecting it to get muddy. I live in NY so we see extremes in all weather. Ultimately, i have dreams to move to a better location so i can have all the farm critters in the world. I’m expecting chicken math to hit me hard and I’ll need more space. Haha my husband will have to keep me in check. 😂

[@CocoJoubert]

First of all, we love you 🌸❤️ I have used horse bedding and loved it because it keeps the coop dry and it also smells great. Proteq is the brand name. Much love from Downunder 💕🌸🌸

[@reneebrown2968]

Because I'm a gardener I want compost so I'm thinking sand area and wood chips in the run and wood shavings in the. Coop. I would use straw but I don't want to take the time to chop it up. Sand can harbor lots of mites and diseases if you aren't careful. I'll be making a sand pit for bathing with de and ash to keep it disease free.

[@kristinj8271]

Ever since I watched your deep litter method video things have been so much better! I use the hemp or pine shavings from 'Natures Woodgrain' mixed with your recommendation of Zeolite clay (I'm using the sweet PDZ) Game changer! Thank you so much for all your videos! 😘

[@WelcometoChickenlandia]

You’re so welcome!

[@T.J-and-Soul]

For my Australian Chooks (rhymes with Books) I use wood chips and wood shavings. It doesn't matter what you use as long as it's absorbent and dry. Love your channel ✌️💚🍄

[@lyliaml42]

Hi does wood chips prevent bad smell? And also how often do you change your woodchips

[@smilingdog54]

We use grass hay. It is very absorbent and smells very fresh

[@tanjavbpioentje]

I use shavings and scoop the droppings everyday. Once a month I change all the shavings. I have a small coop with only 3 chickens so it's not much work.

[@billierichter1379]

I have a concrete floor in my coop, and I don't use any bedding during the warm months. I scrape and sweep it every other day to keep it clean. I also have what I call my "roost poop box" built under the roost, so none of their nighttime poop makes it to the floor. I keep Barn Dri in the poop box and scoop it every day with a litter scoop. In the winter, I use shavings on the floor, but I can't wait until warmer weather, so that I can get it all cleaned out again.

[@WelcometoChickenlandia]

Very well done! Sounds like a good system. :)

[@billierichter1379]

I absolutely love it. I've kept chickens for 20 years, and have developed these methods along the way.

[@johnnyjaaav]

This is the exact video I was looking for, thank you

[@Barosunflower]

I use straw, hay, wood shavings, just like what you said, paper towels or towels when little. Just to let you know my little one legged chick, got better, I can not tell anymore which one him was. I clean my coop out once a week, right now using straw. Every couple of days put new straw down.

[@WelcometoChickenlandia]

That is SOOOO awesome about your little chick! A miracle! ❤️🐔❤️

[@Barosunflower]

@@WelcometoChickenlandia I know, right

[@LeahhJett]

Thank you! I’ve got to say that I really want to try hemp shavings when I get chicks in the spring. I’ve heard some amazing stuff regarding using it in compost… whats better than chicken poop + hemp shavings 😍 Thanks for the great video again😃

[@WelcometoChickenlandia]

Let me know how the hemp works for you!

[@bethpruitt9595]

We use pinestraw.

[@guzman9011]

Just received my 3 Rhode Island Reds 🐓 they are so cute!

[@sonjaorand7226]

I use pine pellets! Works great

[@chuckvenable4409]

I think the sand or wood shavings rather saw dust but not dust. Is better than straw. Straw holds moisture and molds .

[@TeresaV]

I just watched a video on horse stall pellets. I'm thinking that's what I'm going to use as litter in the coop, maybe the run. But it has to be hydrated first. And on her video, there was no dust, even though it breaks down to basically sawdust. Not sure on my nesting boxes yet. Still doing my research. I would definitely not use sand or hat at all.

[@WelcometoChickenlandia]

I can’t believe I forgot to talk about pellets in this video. 🤦🏽‍♀️ They are great in my opinion!

[@rogerknight2267]

I’ve been a true believer in hemp from day one. However, it’s now so cost prohibitive that I’ve had to change to the TSC blocks of pine shavings. The sun still came up the next morning.

[@jesshudson3208]

I live right outside of Portland. I tried using sand because the big hype and HATED it. It made everything so dusty. And it was such a pain to scoop. We switched to a shit shelf under the roosts with pdz and straw on the ground. Soooo much better.

[@cavyboy99]

I got some bedding from atwoods and omg it's so dusty. I converted half of my storage shed into a coop and now my entire shed is nothing but dust. Guess I'm gonna switch to hay/straw

[@terriblejustawful2825]

I've heard great things about the recycled decaf coffee ground bedding (it doesn't contain caffeine).

[@4201Brooke]

I’m in Southern California, I just recently switched to sand in my coop. I have a hen Marigold, who ate so much of the wood shavings, she has developed scar tissue in her crop that it has slowed down her food passing through. She’s my special girl 🤦🏼‍♀️. I don’t totally hate it, but yes the scooping daily can get annoying.

[@punac1]

What is best for composting? My concern with using hay/straw as bedding is the prevalent use of grazon(herbicide).

[@redfire7106]

Just did some reseach on pine shavings, it is not as bad as cedar shavings but is still bad for your chickens. It can cause lung issues, and can cause sinus and liver damage, over time may even cause the death of your chickens.

[@maisielinperry7821]

You are the best...just loves your 😃

[@WelcometoChickenlandia]

😃❤️

[@garybrinker4522]

Is sand ok for Chicks..? Maybe they can find the grit they need..Sand is free for the digging were I live..I also use pine shavings, grass clippings, and leaves..

[@chuckvenable4409]

I wanna shout out to let you know the advise you suggested about how to stop my hen from being broody worked. Thank you 👍 Shes out and about and back to her ole self again. Her hen friend is so happy too. Those 2 birds are definitely good friends. Its amazing. Theyve always hung together even when they were chicks. I was so worried we were gonna lose her .

[@kristinvera5828]

Sand is a pain for the reasons you said. I do put new sand on top and clean it out every 6-8 months. My runs are all open so ventilation is good. I also highly recommend poop boards. They keep sand cleaner longer.

[@jacquelinehill6560]

Have you heard of corn cob shavings? My husband bought a huge bag of that at our local feed lot. It was recommended. I’m using a blend of that and pine shavings currently. Seems to work well. If you know of any concerns I’d like to know. Thank you.

[@ElizabethHurst-z9g]

Yes! I'm LAZY and I already scoop enough poop in the cat boxes, LOL!

[@thejeswith1s]

I found that my chickens were eating straw and it waS giving them sour crop. I use shaving and sand now.

[@karenm4054]

I live in Southern California was choosing to do the deep litter method kind of had a mixture of some different stuff. We're going into heat wave so I thought it'd be better to change the sand. I hate it. I'm lazy I like to just get in and turn it over daily add dryness. Sand just looks and feels unclean

[@laurab8547]

Alfalfa is good for chickens, right? I was thinking of putting alfalfa in the run, under the coop to help keep them warm in the winter. That area would be protected by a plastic sheeting windbreak all around the base of the coop. Is this a good idea, or no? Would love some feedback on this idea. Thanks!

[@kristinvera5828]

🐓❤️ love from my chickens to you and yours btw

[@evelynrogers7145]

I used unscented puppy pads

[@Warthunderguy78]

I just stumbled on your channel and I love it .

[@annashairtrigger]

I prefer hay over straw in my nests. Straw is hollow & mites can live in the middle of the straw. We live by the beach & it’s hot & moist. Then I put shavings in the bottom of the coop which I turn & clean out once a month. I clean the nests daily. You didn’t mention hay, what’s your opinion?

[@darthfiende1]

I use hemp shavings and love them but they're so expensive! I prefer them over line shavings because they're not as dusty. I'm looking forward to having enough organic material in our yard that I can use that and not purchase anything.

[@kristinvera5828]

I use sand in the run and pine shavings in their nesting box.

[@sandramccollum1882]

my ladies do not like their nesting boxes, so we built one on the ground, and have a old pet carrier they love laying eggs in the pet carrier. I use straw and shavings in their run and chicken bedding, straw and shavings in their coop. I clean out their coop and run about every two weeks, but I rake and put down more shavings and all every three to four days, what would be the best thing to give them to cut down on the chicken feed, they are laying eggs everyday now

[@claymonsterpottery]

Go sand! Ha ha. Thanks for this.

[@WelcometoChickenlandia]

Curse!!! Foiled again!! 💪🏽😤🤣❤️🐔🐔🐔

[@jessicaworks6940]

I'm wondering about using sand in my coop in the southern US where it's really humid in the summer. I feel like shavings could just cause mold and need to be cleaned just as often in the summer. Right now we have an open chicken coop/tractor where the roost hangs over the open space and only have shavings up in the nest area. The new coop is bigger and roosts will be over the floor.

[@elsonsti]

Finer material like dry grinded grass clipping is better because you want carbon to compost with chicken manure the faster the better. Once its completey cycled you don have that nasty ammonia smell anymore. At the end of the day you will keep getting high quality chicken manure compost for your garden.

[@maryyuill6166]

Thanks for the info. I was thinking about doing sand but with the information you presented I am going to go with wood chips/hemp instead. I live in the south east of the US and we have seasons of very wet weather and my girls would probably end up wet for days. Besides that fact that poop scooping everyday does not sound like something I am gonna do. Thanks again.

[@cathyl4622]

Question - I have 10 hens and they don't use the dust bath. They prefer to tear up the run and make it look like a Rollercoaster. I have to level every other week. I have 2 dust baths. Do I need more? Or do these girls just like to get dirty? It's quite a chore to levels I don't twist an ankle when I go in there.

[@WelcometoChickenlandia]

Unfortunately that is pretty normal, but they should still use the dust baths. Maybe they need to be bigger or deeper? And hopefully you will get a break in the fall and winter when it’s harder for them to dust bathe in their natural environment and will instead go to the baths. I’m sorry they’re doing that! I had the same issue at my last property in the spring and summer. :(

[@jilllangman9343]

Dust baths do not make them dirty, they make them clean.

[@cathyl4622]

@@jilllangman9343 Yes, mine use the natural soil and not the dust bath. I am going to add another to see if I can encourage them. I have my dustbath currently under cover. Do you know if that is preferable or is out in the elements ok?

[@jilllangman9343]

@Cathy L l dont know for sure, but out in the open where the sun can sterilise the soil sems like the better option to me.. The more natural, the better. I wish you luck Cathy. Jill in South Australia. 🐨

[@Thefightfortruth]

@welcome to chickenlandia- Do we have to use something for the flooring? How about if I just have the linoleum? Is there a real problem if I didn’t have anything? I have contemplated this, but haven’t tried. I just think it would be cleaner and keep the parasites away. Just scrape poop??

[@ferniejackson8300]

Hello, love your channel!! I was wondering how you keep your chicken cool during very hot weather?