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- Popular bedding materials for poultry include straw, sawdust and sand.
- It is crucial that the bedding provides thermal comfort and also absorbs moisture. It also cannot be dusty.
- An interesting solution for poultry is mixed litter. However, it is also easy to make mistakes here.
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What bedding should you choose for breeding chickens?
Choosing the right litter for your chicken farm is a key part of looking after their health and well-being. There are many types of litter. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. That is why choosing the right one is so important.
Popular mulch materials include:
- straw;
- sawdust;
- sand;
- hemp mulch.
Read more Heat stress is also dangerous for poultry. It kills welfare and takes away money
Why is proper litter important for poultry?
Bedding fulfills many functions that are essential for the health and well-being of hens. First of all, it helps maintain proper hygiene by absorbing moisture and dirt. This prevents diseases and infections.
In addition, the right bedding provides thermal comfort, which is especially important in the colder months. A well-chosen bedding also helps reduce stress in hens, creating a more natural and friendly environment.
In turn, bad litter carries many risks. High dustiness, inappropriate temperature or the risk of ingestion – all of this reduces poultry welfare. As a result, production efficiency and profits fall.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of different types of mulch?
Straw as poultry litter
Straw is one of the most popular materials for bedding for chickens. It is readily available and relatively cheap. It insulates heat well, making it ideal for winter.
Advantages of straw:
- good thermal insulation;
- usually easily accessible;
- it is soft and “friendly” for chickens.
Disadvantages of straw:
- can absorb moisture quickly;
- requires frequent replacement.
Sawdust as poultry litter
Sawdust is another popular choice. It is lightweight and absorbs moisture well, which helps keep the coop clean.
Advantages of sawdust:
- excellent moisture absorption;
- pleasant smell;
- usually low price.
Disadvantages of sawdust:
- some of them are harmful to the health of chickens;
- are not as soft as straw.
Sand as litter for poultry
Sand is a material that is popular with some growers. It is durable and easy to maintain.
Advantages of sand:
- ease of cleaning the hen house;
- moisture absorption;
- usually soft.
Disadvantages of sand:
- poorly insulates heat (especially in winter);
- Sand suitable for poultry is often expensive.
Hemp bedding as poultry bedding
Hemp mulch is not as popular as straw or sawdust. However, it has many advantages, so it is worth considering.
Advantages of hemp mulch:
- good thermal insulation;
- good moisture absorption;
- absorbs odors.
Disadvantages of hemp mulch:
- way;
- is sometimes difficult to access.
How to keep poultry litter hygienic?
Maintaining hygiene in the hen house is a key aspect of keeping hens. Regularly changing the litter and properly cleaning it are essential to prevent the spread of disease. Good ventilation and great feed will not make up for poor litter hygiene.
Therefore, to ensure the health of the herd:
- Check the condition of the litter regularly and remove dirty parts;
- change the bedding as often as necessary (e.g. according to the manufacturer’s recommendations);
- remember to disinfect regularly.
Is it worth using litter mixtures for chickens?
Using a mix of different materials for bedding can bring additional benefits. For example, a combination of straw and sawdust can increase moisture absorption and provide better thermal insulation.
The advantages of mixed litter include:
- better adaptation to the individual needs of a given hen house;
- increased moisture control;
- better thermal insulation;
- limiting the defects of specific litters.
However, remember not to mix litter “by eye”. This is when mistakes can easily be made. An inappropriate litter mix will do more harm than good. Therefore, it is best to consult a zootechnician on this matter. He will help you choose the right litter, tailored to the needs of your herd.
Read more Organic poultry farming – a guide for breeders part 1
Poultry Litter – Summary
Choosing the right litter for your breeding chickens is crucial for their health and well-being. That is why you should consider which litter will be best for your hen house. Also remember about litter hygiene. It can be a source of infection for the chickens. And if you have the opportunity, you can opt for mixed litter.
Sources:
- The Poultry Site – Putting Down Perfect Bedding for Your Poultry
- British Hen Welfare Trust – The ultimate guide to chicken bedding
