Keeping your chicken coop clean, dry, and odor-free starts with choosing the right bedding. The best bedding materials absorb moisture, control odors, and create a comfortable environment for your flock. With so many options available, it can be tough to decide which one is best.
This guide breaks down the top bedding choices for chicken coops, highlighting their benefits, drawbacks, and how they compare so you can find the perfect fit for your flock.
Why Bedding Matters in a Chicken Coop
Bedding does more than just provide a soft surface for your chickens—it plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy coop environment. Here’s why choosing the right bedding is essential:
✔ Moisture Control – Chicken droppings contain a lot of moisture. The right bedding will absorb it, preventing mold and bacteria growth.
✔ Odor Reduction – Proper bedding helps control ammonia buildup from droppings, keeping the air fresh.
✔ Comfort & Safety – A soft bedding material prevents foot injuries and gives your chickens a cozy place to rest.
✔ Temperature Regulation – Some beddings insulate the coop in winter while keeping it cool in summer.
✔ Easy Cleaning & Composting – Good bedding simplifies waste management and can be turned into nutrient-rich compost.
Now, let’s look at the best bedding options for your chicken coop.
Best Bedding Materials for Chicken Coops
1. Pine Shavings – Best Overall Choice
Why it’s great: Pine shavings are one of the most popular bedding options due to their high absorbency, pleasant smell, and availability. They effectively control moisture and odors, making them an excellent all-around choice.
✅ Pros:
- Highly absorbent, keeping the coop dry
- Naturally controls odors with a fresh pine scent
- Readily available at feed stores and pet supply shops
- Soft and comfortable for chickens
❌ Cons:
- Can be dusty, so proper ventilation is needed
- Make sure to buy kiln-dried pine, as fresh pine contains harmful oils
📌 Best for: Chicken keepers who want a reliable, easy-to-maintain bedding option.
2. Sand – Best for Cleanliness & Odor Control
Why it’s great: Sand works like a litter box for your chickens, making it one of the cleanest bedding options. It doesn’t hold moisture, meaning there’s little risk of mold or bacteria growth.
✅ Pros:
- Drains moisture well and prevents bacterial growth
- Reduces odors better than most other beddings
- Doesn’t need frequent replacement (long-lasting)
- Easy to scoop out droppings daily for cleanliness
❌ Cons:
- Gets hot in summer and cold in winter
- Heavy to install and may require extra coop support
- Not absorbent, so wet areas must be cleaned immediately
📌 Best for: Chicken owners who prioritize cleanliness and don’t mind daily maintenance.
3. Straw – Best for Nesting Boxes & Insulation
Why it’s great: Straw is a budget-friendly, insulating bedding that works well for keeping coops warm in winter. It’s best used in nesting boxes or mixed with other bedding types.
✅ Pros:
- Provides insulation in cold weather
- Affordable and easy to find
- Soft and comfortable for chickens, great for nesting boxes
❌ Cons:
- Not very absorbent, so it gets messy quickly
- Can harbor mites and pests if not cleaned regularly
- Mold risk if it gets damp
📌 Best for: Cold climates, nesting boxes, and chicken keepers looking for an affordable bedding option.
4. Hemp Bedding – Best Eco-Friendly Option
Why it’s great: Hemp bedding is highly absorbent, dust-free, and compostable. It’s a premium choice for chicken keepers looking for a sustainable and long-lasting bedding material.
✅ Pros:
- Incredibly absorbent (better than pine shavings)
- Low dust, making it great for respiratory health
- Lasts longer than most other bedding types
- Naturally pest-resistant and composts quickly
❌ Cons:
- More expensive than other bedding options
- Not as readily available as pine shavings or straw
📌 Best for: Chicken keepers willing to invest in high-quality, eco-friendly bedding.
5. Recycled Paper – Best for Dust-Free Bedding
Why it’s great: Shredded newspaper or paper-based commercial beddings are dust-free, soft, and absorbent. They’re a good choice for chickens with respiratory sensitivities.
✅ Pros:
- Dust-free, great for chickens with respiratory issues
- Soft and comfortable for chickens
- Highly absorbent
❌ Cons:
- Needs frequent changing due to fast saturation
- Can develop odors quickly if not cleaned often
- Not as insulating as other bedding types
📌 Best for: Chicken keepers needing a dust-free bedding alternative.
Bedding to Avoid in Chicken Coops
Some materials may seem like good bedding choices but can cause health issues for your chickens. Avoid these:
🚫 Cedar Shavings – The aromatic oils in cedar can cause respiratory problems in chickens.
🚫 Hay – Unlike straw, hay is meant for animal feed, not bedding. It molds quickly and harbors bacteria.
🚫 Sawdust – Too fine and dusty, which can cause breathing issues.
🚫 Cat Litter – Clumps when wet and can be harmful if ingested.
Deep Litter Method: A Low-Maintenance Alternative
If you want less frequent cleaning, consider using the Deep Litter Method. This involves adding layers of bedding (usually pine shavings) over time, allowing beneficial microbes to break down waste.
✔ Reduces odors naturally
✔ Creates natural compost for gardens
✔ Requires less frequent coop cleaning
To use this method:
- Start with 3-4 inches of bedding.
- Every week, add a fresh layer on top.
- Clean out completely every 4-6 months.
Final Thoughts
The best bedding for your chicken coop depends on your priorities—whether it’s odor control, cleanliness, cost, or sustainability.
🏆 Best Overall: Pine shavings – absorbent, widely available, and controls odors.
🏆 Best for Cleanliness: Sand – easy to clean, but requires daily maintenance.
🏆 Best for Cold Climates: Straw – provides insulation, but needs frequent changing.
🏆 Best Eco-Friendly Choice: Hemp bedding – lasts longer, dust-free, and compostable.
No matter which bedding you choose, regular cleaning and maintenance will keep your flock happy, healthy, and comfortable.