Poultry Bedding

Choosing the right poultry bedding is crucial for the health and well-being of your chickens, particularly in New Zealand where climate can influence moisture and pest issues. Good bedding helps manage moisture, reduce ammonia smells, provide cushioning, and can even deter pests.

Here’s a breakdown of common poultry bedding options, their pros and cons, and considerations for New Zealand chicken keepers:

Key Qualities of Good Poultry Bedding:

  • Absorbency: Essential for wicking away moisture from droppings and spills, preventing dampness which leads to bacterial growth and ammonia.
  • Low Dust: High dust content can irritate chickens’ respiratory systems, leading to health issues.
  • Odor Control: Helps to minimise ammonia fumes, which are harmful to chickens and unpleasant for humans.
  • Insulation: Provides warmth in colder months.
  • Comfort: Offers a soft surface for chickens to walk, rest, and scratch in.
  • Compostability: Many chicken keepers want bedding that can be easily composted into garden-rich fertiliser.
  • Pest Resistance: Some beddings are less prone to harbouring mites, lice, or other pests.
  • Availability and Cost: Practical considerations for sourcing and budget.

Common Poultry Bedding Options:

  1. Pine Shavings:
    • Pros:
      • Widely Available and Affordable: Easily found at farm supply stores in New Zealand.
      • Good Absorbency: Effective at soaking up moisture.
      • Pleasant Scent: Pine has a natural, fresh smell.
      • Compostable: Breaks down well into compost.
      • Relatively Lightweight: Easy to spread and clean out.
    • Cons:
      • Dust: Can be dusty, which may irritate respiratory systems, especially in smaller or less ventilated coops. Look for “kiln-dried” and “screened” varieties to reduce dust.
      • Potential Toxicity Concerns: Some research suggests that pine (and especially cedar) can release aromatic compounds that may be harmful to chickens over long-term exposure, potentially affecting liver or respiratory health. While widely used, it’s a point of debate among chicken keepers.
      • Mite Hiding Spots: Can create hiding spots for red mites if not managed well.
    • NZ Availability: Very common. Brands like Appleton’s offer kiln-dried pine shavings.
  2. Hemp Bedding:
    • Pros:
      • Excellent Absorbency: Often touted as having significantly higher absorbency than pine shavings or straw. This means less frequent changes.
      • Low Dust: Generally much less dusty than wood shavings, making it ideal for chickens and keepers with respiratory sensitivities.
      • Superior Odor Control: Exceptional at trapping moisture and ammonia, leading to a fresher coop.
      • Naturally Pest Repellent: Some sources suggest it naturally repels mites, insects, and mold.
      • Sustainable and Eco-Friendly: Grown without chemical sprays in NZ, making it a highly sustainable option.
      • Good Insulation: Provides warmth in winter and can help keep the coop cool in summer.
      • Composts Well: Breaks down quickly into rich compost.
    • Cons:
      • Higher Initial Cost: Can be more expensive upfront than other options, though its longevity often offsets this.
      • Availability: Becoming more available in NZ (e.g., Arena Surfaces NZ, Balcairn Stockfoods, Chook Manor), but might not be as widespread as pine shavings yet.
    • NZ Availability: Growing in popularity, with several suppliers now offering NZ-grown hemp hurd.
  3. Straw (Chopped Straw Preferred):
    • Pros:
      • Affordable and Readily Available: Easy to find, especially from local farmers.
      • Good Insulation: Excellent for warmth in winter.
      • Soft and Comfortable: Chickens enjoy scratching and dust bathing in it.
      • Compostable: Breaks down well.
    • Cons:
      • Moisture Retention: While absorbent, it’s poor at releasing moisture, leading to quicker compaction, dampness, and potential for mold/mildew. This can lead to ammonia build-up.
      • Can Harbor Pests: More likely to harbor mites and other insects compared to other options if it gets damp or compacted.
      • Cleaning Difficulty: Can become matted and heavy when wet, making cleaning more laborious.
      • Dust: Can be dusty, especially if not chopped.
      • Hay vs. Straw: Ensure you use straw (dry stalks left after grain is harvested) and not hay (dried grasses used for feed), as hay gets moldy much faster and is unsuitable for bedding.
    • NZ Availability: Widely available.
  4. Sand (Medium to Coarse-Grained):
    • Pros:
      • Excellent Drainage and Quick Drying: Does not absorb moisture but allows it to drain away, keeping the surface dry and inhibiting bacterial growth. Droppings dry out quickly.
      • Low Pathogen Load: Less prone to harbouring bacteria and mold.
      • Low Dust: Generally very low in dust if it’s the right type (medium to coarse-grained construction sand, not fine play sand which can cause respiratory issues).
      • Natural Grit Source: Chickens can use it for grit.
      • Low Maintenance (Long Term): Once installed, it can last a long time with regular sifting to remove droppings.
      • Not Flammable: Unlike organic beddings.
      • Discourages Pests: Mites don’t thrive in sand.
    • Cons:
      • Heavy and Laborious Initial Setup: Moving large quantities of sand is difficult.
      • Costly Initial Investment: Can be more expensive to fill the coop initially.
      • Abrasive: Can potentially cause foot abrasions in some chickens.
      • Poor Insulation: Does not provide much warmth in colder climates.
      • Doesn’t Compost: It’s inorganic, so it won’t break down into compost.
    • NZ Availability: Construction sand is available from hardware stores or landscape suppliers. Ensure it’s the right grade.
  5. Shredded Paper/Cardboard:
    • Pros:
      • Cost-Effective (Recycled): Can be very cheap or free if sourced from household waste.
      • Absorbent: Can soak up moisture.
      • Compostable: Breaks down easily.
    • Cons:
      • Soggy Quickly: Tends to become wet and matted very fast, leading to ammonia buildup.
      • Lack of Cushioning: Not as soft or comfortable as other options.
      • Messy: Lightweight and easily scattered.
      • Ink Concerns: Avoid glossy or heavily printed paper due to potential toxins in the ink.
      • Attracts Rodents: Can be attractive to rodents seeking nesting material.
    • NZ Availability: Readily available.

Deep Litter Method vs. Regular Cleaning:

  • Deep Litter Method: This involves building up a thick layer of carbon-rich bedding (like pine shavings or hemp) and allowing it to compost in place, with regular turning and addition of new material. The composting action helps break down droppings and control ammonia. It requires good ventilation and careful management to prevent excess moisture and smell. Many keepers find this reduces cleaning frequency and provides great compost.
  • Regular Cleaning: This involves more frequent removal of all bedding and replacement with fresh material. Essential if you prefer a very clean coop or struggle with moisture/pest issues.

Considerations for New Zealand:

  • Moisture Management: NZ’s often damp climate means bedding choice and moisture control are paramount. Good ventilation in your coop is always critical, regardless of bedding.
  • Red Mites: As discussed, red mites are a big problem in NZ. Certain beddings (like overly damp straw) can provide more hiding spots. Regular cleaning and dusting with food-grade Diatomaceous Earth (DE) into the bedding can help deter mites. Ensure DE is food-grade and avoid inhaling it.
  • Local Sourcing: Consider what’s easily and affordably available in your local area. Hemp bedding is an increasingly popular NZ-grown option.

Ultimately, the “best” bedding for your chickens will depend on your specific coop setup, climate, budget, and personal preference for maintenance. Many people find a combination of materials works well, such as pine shavings with a sprinkle of DE, or hemp bedding for its superior qualities.