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Choosing the right bedding for your chicken coop is important for keeping your chickens healthy and comfortable. Three popular choices are pine flakes, sand and hemp. Each one has advantages and disadvantages that can affect your decision based on cost, availability, performance and environmental impact.
PINE FLAKES
Pine flakes/shavings are commonly used and are widely available from many farm supply stores. They are a byproduct of the lumber industry. They are highly absorbent and have a pleasant smell which may help to mask odors in the coop. They are soft and provide a comfortable bedding surface for the chickens. They provide good insulation, helping to keep the coop warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Used pine flakes are compostable and they are relatively inexpensive.
A disadvantage of pine flakes is that they can be dusty and may need to be changed more often than some other types of bedding.
SAND
Sand is another popular bedding option especially in hotter climates. This would be medium to coarse grained sands or fine grained gravels. Safe sand for your chicken coop is river bank sand, mortar sand, construction grade washed sand or concrete sand. Sand can be cleaned by being sifted easily which makes it a clean bedding option. Sand can be a longer lasting bedding option because it does not decompose like organic materials. It dries droppings quickly which helps with odor control and it is less likely to harbor pests than organic bedding. It stays cooler in the summer which may keep your chickens more comfortable in the heat.
There are some disadvantages to sand. It is heavy which may make it harder to carry and spread in the coop. Sand can become very cold in the winter which may be uncomfortable for your chickens. The initial set up might be a little expensive and if not properly cleaned you may have bacteria build up.
HEMP BEDDING
Hemp bedding is a newer but popular choice for chicken coops. It is extremely absorbent which helps control odors. It is dust free making it healthier for you and your chickens. It is durable and will last longer. It is environmentally friendly because it is a renewable resource that grows quickly. It composts well making a rich fertilizer.
Some disadvantages of hemp bedding are that it usually more expensive than other types of bedding and it may be harder to find in some areas.
