I'm a newbie to keeping chickens and want to know if using sawdust is better than straw in the chicken shed?
2007-03-05 01:17:37 · 11 answers · asked by chantellechanters 5 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Straw helps the water drain to the bottom and it will give the chickens something to "scratch" through. It's safe for themt ot eat, too. My mom gives hers a flake of alfalfa once in a while to give them added protein and a special treat. They love scratching through that.
2007-03-05 08:43:11 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I find that straw is easier to clean. Sawdust gets clogged with yucky stuff very easily. They also like to scratch the sawdust out of the pen. However sawdust is soft and makes great bedding as well. Recommend using a combination of both, try them out and finding the one you think works for your chickens the best.
2007-03-05 01:26:07 · answer #2 · answered by bluedragon8084 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you clean the coop out, you must put the stuff somewhere. A compost pile is what most people use. And sawdust does not do will in that if i am remembering correctly. Some woods are not good for it. So go STRAW.
2007-03-05 01:21:23 · answer #3 · answered by swamp elf 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Straw. Sawdust gets in their eyes & can cause breathing problems.
2007-03-05 02:58:05 · answer #4 · answered by Another Planet 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I use sawdust- and it goes out into the fields as well. Sawdust is easier to clean and will absorb the odor longer (in my opinion). Staw will get nasty quicker and not soak up the urine/feces as well as sawdust will. Depending on where you live though, one or the other may be cheaper.
2007-03-05 01:28:56 · answer #5 · answered by D 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Either works and with straw you can run it through a manure spreader and fling it out on the fileds if you want.
I have a manure spreader and do that if I use straw.
Most time I use shavings as they are cheaper and require a full change only about every three months.
2007-03-05 01:21:00 · answer #6 · answered by tlctreecare 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to keep the area clean. Straw is a better choice, you can clean it easily and can use it as a fertilizer in your garden.
2007-03-05 01:22:23 · answer #7 · answered by flieder77 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Either is fine. Wood shavings tend to be more absorbant but that's not such an issue with the chickens.
2007-03-05 05:10:03 · answer #8 · answered by SC 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say sawdust! I'm no expert but that's what I think!!
2007-03-05 05:30:52 · answer #9 · answered by pats and sox fan 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the saw dust can cause breathing problems so if I were you I'd go with the straw
2007-03-05 02:10:29 · answer #10 · answered by squ_ishy07 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋