Why I stopped buying straw bales for my coop bedding

I used to buy those big straw bales every month for $15 each. They seemed like the standard choice everyone recommended. But last summer I switched to pine shavings after my birds kept getting respiratory issues. The straw held too much moisture and got moldy fast. Now I spend $12 on a big bag of shavings that lasts 6 weeks easy. Bonus tip - add a sprinkle of food grade DE powder to keep mites away. Anyone else find straw more trouble than it's worth?

2 comments

2 Comments

jessicaw544d ago

I mean, a little mold in some straw never killed anyone's chickens, seems a bit dramatic.

simontorres4d ago

My flock of 12 Rhode Island Reds had the exact same issue with straw last winter. I switched to kiln dried pine shavings from Tractor Supply for about $8 a bag and it made a huge difference. The shavings absorb way better and I only have to clean the coop every 10 days instead of every week. I also throw a handful of dried mint leaves in the nesting boxes to keep it smelling fresh without any chemicals. Sounds like you figured out a good system that works for your birds.