Suitable Materials for Chicken Coop Litter
Chicken keepers often wonder what the best materials are for litter in a chicken coop. There are a number of good choices and most of them come down to personal preference, poultry safety and cost considerations.
- Cedar shavings: Many people like them because they smell lovely. However, sometimes odors can irritate chickens' lungs and cause health problems. If there is no evidence of this in your flock, this is a fine choice.
- Pine shavings: Pine shavings are very popular. They are typically readily available, are fairly inexpensive, are absorbent and don't breakdown quickly.
- Straw: Straw is very popular in many parts of the world, depending upon its availability and cost. Straw can get kind of sticky and should be replaced on a frequent basis.
- Grass clippings: Grass should always be sourced from areas that are known to be chemical and sewage/septic free. Never use clippings from roadsides which are often full of contaminants.
- Leaves: Leaves are plentiful in the fall and chickens love to rustle around in them.
- Hay: We often use clean hay that has fallen onto the floor from moving it to other places. Old, moldy, dusty and/or contaminated hay should never be used.
- Shredded paper: This option is typically not recommended because of the ink, dyes and sometimes metal, such as paper clips and staples that might in in the hay.
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