BEDDING
making them effective at managing coop moisture and ammonia levels. Although they provide moderate insulation, pine shavings can be fluffed and turned to enhance their insulation effectiveness. Its availability and ease of use make them a common choice, though they may be more expensive than straw in some regions.
• Hemp Bedding: Hemp is an increasingly popular bedding material, offering both high absorbency and insulation. Hemp fibers can absorb up to four times their weight in moisture, making it ideal for moisture management. Its cost can be prohibitive, but for smaller backyard flocks, hemp offers a lowmaintenance, hypoallergenic option.
• Sand: Sand is a unique bedding option, though less commonly used in winter. While it doesn’ t provide significant insulation, it is excellent at draining moisture and controlling odors. Sand requires regular maintenance to prevent compaction and ammonia buildup, and it may be best used in conjunction with other insulating bedding materials during cold months. It is highly recommended to choose river or construction sand rather than play sand.
• Shredded Paper and Cardboard: For eco-conscious poultry keepers, shredded paper or cardboard provides a sustainable bedding option. While it offers moderate insulation, shredded paper can become saturated quickly in damp environments, so it’ s best suited as a supplement to other bedding materials and not direct bedding for poultry.
Deep Litter Method for Winter Bedding
The deep litter method is a bedding strategy where bedding material is allowed to build up over time, creating a decomposing layer that generates heat. This method utilizes composting within the coop, where beneficial microbes break down waste, releasing heat that keeps the coop warmer in winter. To implement the deep litter method effectively:
• Start with a base layer of absorbent material like pine shavings or straw.
• Add fresh bedding every few days, allowing the bottom layers to decompose.
• Turn the bedding periodically to aerate it, to promote composting and prevent odor buildup.
The benefits of deep litter method include:
• Increased Insulation: The composting action generates heat, maintaining a warmer environment.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Bedding material is added gradually, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
• Soil Enrichment: The resulting compost is rich in nutrients, providing an organic fertilizer for gardens.
The deep litter method requires monitoring to prevent excess moisture and ammonia buildup. In extremely damp climates, ventilation and regular turning are essential to manage microbial activity. This method would work better for the northern states that get colder than Florida, for example.
Microbial and Moisture Management
Moisture control is critical for winter bedding management, as damp environments increase the risk of respiratory diseases and frostbite. High moisture levels lead to ammonia production, a byproduct of poultry manure decomposition, which can irritate the respiratory tract of both birds and humans.
• Regular Monitoring and Turning: For bedding materials like straw and the deep litter method, regular turning helps to aerate bedding, facilitating drying and reducing ammonia buildup. This step also prevents compaction, maintaining an insulating layer within the coop.
• Ventilation: Proper ventilation is crucial to prevent moisture buildup and encourage air exchange. Ensure vents are positioned to allow airflow without creating drafts at bird level.
• Supplementary Absorbents: In humid climates, adding a layer of absorbent material,
34 Winter 2024 www. chickenwhisperermagazine. com