Bedding is an essential part of keeping a healthy, comfortable environment for your laying hens. The right bedding does more than provide a cozy space—it absorbs moisture, controls odors, improves air quality, and even contributes to soil health when composted. With various options available, choosing the best bedding depends on your flock’s needs, your management style, and your farm’s conditions.

Common Types of Bedding

1. Wood Shavings

Wood shavings, often from pine or aspen, are a popular choice. They are soft, absorbent, and widely available.
Benefits:

• Excellent moisture absorption.
• Comfortable for hens to scratch in.
• Reduces odors when cleaned regularly.
  Drawbacks:
• Can produce dust, which may affect air quality.
• Requires frequent replacement in wet conditions.

2. Straw

Straw is another common choice, offering warmth and often available if near wheat/grain farms. Note: Straw and Hay are not the same.
Benefits:

• Affordable and widely accessible.
• Insulates well in winter.
• Easy to compost after use.
  Drawbacks:
• Less absorbent than some other materials.
• Can harbor pests if it becomes damp.
• Can be back breaking to clean out of coops due to compaction.

3. Sand

Sand has gained popularity for its longevity and ease of cleaning.
Benefits:

• Drains moisture effectively, keeping the coop dry.
• Reduces odors and is easy to scoop daily.
• Discourages mites and other pests.
• Chickens sometimes peck at it for grit.
  Drawbacks:
• Can become cold in winter unless supplemented with insulation.
• Heavier to handle and more labor-intensive to install.

4. Wood Chips

Wood chips are an increasingly common option, particularly in high-tunnel setups where natural light and warmth promote winter egg production.
Benefits:

• Durable and long-lasting in outdoor setups.
• Provides good footing in high-moisture areas.
• Compostable and contributes to soil health.
  Drawbacks:
• May not absorb as much moisture as smaller shavings.
• Can take time to break down in compost.

Deep-Litter Method: A Winter Solution

For winter months, many farmers and homesteaders turn to the deep-litter method. This technique involves layering fresh bedding, such as straw or wood shavings, over the old bedding. As the bedding and manure mix, natural microbial activity generates heat, keeping the coop warmer.

Benefits of the Deep-Litter Method:

• Provides insulation and reduces heating costs.
• Creates a composting system that can be used in gardens.
• Requires less frequent cleaning compared to full bedding changes.

To use this method effectively, turn the bedding regularly with a pitchfork to aerate the material and prevent compacting. Add fresh bedding as needed to keep the surface clean and dry.

The Role of Air Quality and Ammonia Control

Good air quality is critical for poultry health, and bedding plays a key role in managing it. Manure releases ammonia, a gas that can accumulate in poorly ventilated coops. High ammonia levels irritate a chicken’s respiratory system, reduce egg production, and make birds more susceptible to diseases.

To maintain air quality:

• Use absorbent bedding materials that control moisture and ammonia.
• Clean regularly or use systems like the deep-litter method to manage manure.
• Ensure proper ventilation in the coop, even during colder months.

Composting Your Used Bedding

Used bedding is not just waste—it’s a valuable resource for your farm. Composting soiled bedding creates rich, organic material for gardens and pastures. Wood chips and straw break down more slowly than shavings or paper but add structure to compost piles. Regularly turning the pile helps accelerate decomposition and control odors.

Choosing the Right Bedding for Your Flock

Selecting bedding depends on your management style, climate, and farm goals. Whether you opt for wood shavings, straw, sand, or wood chips, the key is to ensure that bedding supports your flock’s health, minimizes labor, and contributes to your farm’s overall sustainability.

With thoughtful planning and proper maintenance, your choice of bedding can keep your chickens comfortable, improve their health, and enhance your farm’s productivity year-round.