One of the most overlooked, yet crucial, aspects of chicken keeping is choosing the right bedding for your coop. The right material can help control odor, absorb moisture, reduce pests, and keep your birds happy and healthy. But with so many options available, how do you decide what’s best?
Here’s a breakdown of the most popular bedding types, including the pros and cons of each:
1. Pine Shavings
Pros:
- Excellent absorbency
- Pleasant, natural smell
- Readily available at most feed stores
- Helps control ammonia odors
- Easy to clean and compostable
Cons:
- Can be dusty (especially fine shavings)
- Not ideal for very young chicks due to possible ingestion
- Must avoid cedar (pine is safe, cedar is not)
Best For: Most backyard coops, especially in dry climates.
2. Straw
Pros:
- Natural and compostable
- Great insulation in colder months
- Easy for hens to scratch and nest in
Cons:
- Can mat down and trap moisture
- Mold risk if it gets wet
- Less absorbent than shavings
- Can harbor mites and other pests if not replaced frequently
Best For: Nesting boxes or short-term bedding during winter.
3. Sand
Pros:
- Drains well and dries quickly
- Long-lasting (doesn’t need frequent replacing)
- Easy to clean with a cat litter scoop
- Doesn’t decompose – reduces odor when maintained properly
Cons:
- Heavy to haul and install
- Not ideal in cold climates (can get too cold in winter)
- Needs frequent scooping to keep clean
Best For: Dry, warm-weather climates or well-ventilated coops with good drainage.
4. Hemp Bedding
Pros:
- Very absorbent (up to 4x its weight in moisture)
- Low dust, great for birds with respiratory sensitivities
- Naturally pest-repellent
- Biodegradable and composts well
Cons:
- Harder to find locally
- More expensive upfront
Best For: Coop owners willing to invest in a premium option for superior odor and moisture control.
5. Recycled Paper or Cardboard
Pros:
- Eco-friendly (especially if shredded yourself)
- Soft and low-dust
- Compostable
Cons:
- Poor moisture control
- Needs frequent changing
- Can become soggy and smelly quickly
Best For: Emergency bedding or very small flocks where bedding is changed frequently.
6. Deep Litter Method
Pros:
- Natural composting system right in the coop
- Low maintenance (add clean bedding as needed)
- Generates heat in winter
- Supports beneficial microbes that fight pathogens
Cons:
- Requires good ventilation
- Needs regular stirring to avoid matting or odor
- Not ideal in small coops or overly humid environments
Best For: Larger coops with good airflow and attentive flock keepers.
7. Keeping It Natural: Dirt Runs
Pros:
- Cost-effective — no bedding purchases required
- Natural environment for dust bathing, scratching, and foraging
- Beneficial microbes in the soil can help break down waste
- Great for incorporating deep litter method or composting in place
Cons:
- Can become muddy and unsanitary in wet weather
- Requires good drainage and regular management
- May need occasional amendments like sand, wood chips, or straw to prevent compaction or odor
- Higher risk of parasites and pathogens if not rotated or cleaned
Tips for Success:
- Add coarse sand, dried leaves, pine needles, or untreated wood chips to improve drainage and reduce mud
- Rake and aerate regularly to prevent buildup
- Consider rotating or resting your run if possible
- Keep feed and water stations elevated or on platforms to avoid soggy messes
Best For: Runs with good drainage, free-range systems, or owners who prefer a low-maintenance, natural look that allows chickens to behave instinctively.
Final Thoughts: What’s Best for You?
The best bedding often depends on your climate, coop design, budget, and personal maintenance preferences. At Wise County Chicken Farm, we often recommend pine shavings or hemp bedding for most flocks due to their balance of cleanliness, odor control, and availability. For cold snaps or nesting boxes, straw can be a cozy option — and for your outdoor run, keeping it natural with dirt and organic matter is a great way to support your chickens’ natural behaviors.
Remember, no matter what you choose, clean, dry bedding and proper maintenance are key to keeping your flock healthy.
Need help deciding what’s right for your coop? Feel free to reach out to schedule your on-site consult ask during your visit — we’re always happy to talk chickens.