Bedding Choice for Chicken Coop

Posted by Michael and Lylah Ledner on April 20, 2009 at 1:46pm
I've been using wood chips for my hen house and am wondering what some of you more experienced hen lovers use. I've been told that my wood chips are bio degradable and that the used chips are OK for my compost heap.I'd love to hear some thoughts.PS...I love this group! Lylah

Garden & Chicken March 7 047.JPG

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Replies

  • Debbie April 25, 2009 at 3:55pm
    Alfalfa was 11.00 at Stockmans 13.00 at Stock Shop Everything is less at Stockmans so my husband stocks up when he goes there no pun intended.
    • Jane Doyle > Debbie April 26, 2009 at 1:36pm
      LOL! Thanks. I would "stock up" too. 8o)
  • Debbie April 24, 2009 at 6:11pm
    We buy our Alfalfa at Stockmans Feed in Avondale/ Buckeye , husband goes and gets it and feed for cheaper than Stock Shop.
    • Jane Doyle > Debbie April 25, 2009 at 12:59pm
      How much do they charge, do you remember? The Stock Shop is only a few miles away from me, so that could be a factor.
  • Krissypink April 24, 2009 at 10:38am
    I was shredding paper at work, and it occurred to me that I could possible use the shredded paper as bedding. Does anyone know if this is ok to use or had any experience. Also, is the paper pretty biodegradable? I would imagine so since it's made from wood, but I was concerned about the ink on the paper. Thanks for any insights!
  • Sue Wefel April 21, 2009 at 6:50am
    Since I have had my three chicks (about 1.5 months) I have had them in a large cage with a pull out drawer in the bottom. I have put pine shavings in the drawer and, of course, they poop onto the shavings. I then dump the shavings into my compost bin and have had the hottest, fastest "turning" compost. Now, I'm wondering how soon I can put the compost around without burning the plants. I know chicken manure is very hot.
  • dan straight April 20, 2009 at 7:23pm
    i use straw or hay
  • Debbie April 20, 2009 at 6:40pm
    We are currently used Alfalfa , and my thinking is it's high in nitrogen as it breaks down and we use the used stuff for compost around the plants. I have used straw hay for other composting before and it took a long time to break down. I am nervous about pine because of chemicals and chopping trees for this seems counter productive to being environmentally helpful . And alfalfa has nutrients if the "girls" nibble on it .
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