Best For Bedding

Kim Stoddart takes a peek at the vast array of products now available to buy

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Whilst a lot of thought is given to poultry housing, and many other matters relating to the health and welfare of our birds, which bedding material we use is a consideration arguably equally as important. Yet with so many different types of bedding now available commercially, it can be hard to know which one to plump for.

From chopped straw and woodchip through to hemp-based products and chopped cardboard, there are a lot of options from which to choose. Hay needs to be avoided because it gets damp very easily and can harbour spores and sawdust is a no-go on a number of levels so you’ve been warned, you really don’t want to go there.

Otherwise, regular cleaning out of any hen house is of course essential as damp or very soiled bedding can cause a range of health problems, including respiratory issues. How often you do this can depend on the size of your housing and the time of the year, but as a rule of thumb, once a week is ideal as over time droppings will cause a build up of ammonia which can be both unpleasant and damaging to your hens.