During the hot summer months, keeping your chickens cool and comfortable is essential for their health and egg production. Choosing the best chicken coop bedding for summer can help manage heat, humidity, and odor, while also providing comfort and safety for your flock. The right bedding will absorb moisture, provide proper ventilation, and prevent your chickens from becoming too hot or stressed.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best chicken coop bedding options for summer, key features to look for, and tips for keeping your chickens comfortable during the hottest months of the year.
Why the Right Bedding Matters in Summer
Summer heat can quickly raise the temperature inside the coop, creating a stressful environment for your chickens. In addition to keeping your chickens cool, bedding also helps with:
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Moisture management: Summer humidity can make the coop feel sticky and uncomfortable. Bedding that absorbs moisture can help maintain a dry environment.
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Odor control: Chickens produce a lot of waste, and without the right bedding, the coop can become smelly quickly. Good bedding absorbs odors and prevents ammonia buildup.
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Comfort: Bedding provides a soft surface for chickens to nest, roost, and dust bathe, promoting their overall well-being.
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Ventilation: Bedding that allows airflow can prevent stagnant, hot air from accumulating inside the coop.
The right bedding can make a big difference in keeping your chickens cool, clean, and healthy during the heat of summer.
Key Features to Look for in Summer Bedding
When choosing bedding for summer, there are a few factors to keep in mind:
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Moisture absorption: Hot, humid weather can cause moisture to build up quickly, so bedding that absorbs moisture well is essential.
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Cooling properties: Some bedding materials naturally help keep the coop cooler by allowing airflow and preventing heat buildup.
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Dust control: Excessive dust in the summer can irritate chickens’ respiratory systems, so bedding that is low in dust is ideal.
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Odor control: As chickens tend to drink more water in the summer, their waste can cause unpleasant odors if not properly managed. Bedding that absorbs odors helps keep the coop smelling fresh.
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Sustainability: Some bedding options are more eco-friendly than others, which may be important if you’re focused on sustainable chicken-keeping practices.
Best Chicken Coop Bedding for Summer
Here are the best bedding options for chicken coops during the hot summer months, each offering unique benefits that help keep your chickens cool, dry, and comfortable.
1. Hemp Bedding
Best for: Moisture control and cooling properties.
Hemp bedding is a top choice for summer, as it is highly absorbent, helps control odors, and is environmentally friendly. Hemp fibers are excellent at wicking away moisture, keeping the coop dry even on hot, humid days. The bedding also has cooling properties and helps to maintain a comfortable temperature inside the coop.
Pros:
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Excellent at moisture absorption.
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Naturally cool and breathable.
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Low in dust, making it easier on your chickens’ respiratory systems.
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Eco-friendly and biodegradable.
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Great odor control.
Cons:
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More expensive than traditional bedding like straw or wood shavings.
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Can be harder to find in some areas.
Recommendation: Hemp bedding is perfect for those looking for sustainable, effective, and cooling bedding for their chickens during the summer.
2. Pine Shavings
Best for: Odor control and availability.
Pine shavings are one of the most popular choices for chicken coop bedding, and they work well during the summer months. The wood naturally absorbs moisture and controls odors, keeping the coop smelling fresh even when it’s hot outside. Pine shavings are widely available, affordable, and easy to handle.
Pros:
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Good moisture and odor control.
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Soft and comfortable for chickens to roost and lay eggs.
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Readily available and affordable.
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Available in both dust-free and regular varieties.
Cons:
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Can become compacted over time, which may reduce its moisture-absorbing capacity.
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Not as effective in extremely humid conditions compared to other options like hemp.
Recommendation: Pine shavings are a reliable, cost-effective bedding choice for the summer, providing comfort and moisture control while being easy to manage.
3. Sand
Best for: Easy cleaning and cooling.
Sand is an increasingly popular choice for summer chicken coop bedding. It’s easy to clean (just scoop out the waste), and it helps keep the coop cool by preventing heat buildup. Sand also doesn’t get soggy like other bedding materials, so it helps reduce moisture-related issues like mold or mildew.
Pros:
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Easy to clean—just scoop out waste and occasionally rake.
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Does not retain moisture, which helps keep the coop dry.
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Helps maintain a cool environment in hot weather.
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Chickens love dust bathing in sand, which is a natural behavior.
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Long-lasting and does not need to be replaced as frequently as other bedding.
Cons:
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Can be heavy and difficult to work with in large quantities.
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Needs to be maintained with occasional deep cleaning or replacing.
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May cause dust issues if the coop is not well-ventilated.
Recommendation: Sand is ideal for chicken keepers looking for a low-maintenance, cooling bedding option. Just be sure your coop is well-ventilated to avoid dust buildup.
4. Straw
Best for: Comfort and natural cooling.
Straw is a traditional and widely available bedding material. It’s lightweight and provides good insulation, which is helpful for cooler nights. In summer, it works well if you keep the coop dry and clean, as it has good moisture retention properties.
Pros:
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Absorbs moisture and provides a comfortable nesting area for chickens.
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Affordable and widely available.
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Chickens love to scratch and burrow in straw.
Cons:
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Can become moldy if not replaced regularly, especially in humid or wet conditions.
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Needs to be changed frequently to prevent it from becoming compacted.
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Less absorbent than other bedding options like hemp.
Recommendation: Straw is great for comfort and insulation, but it’s best used in areas where you can keep it dry and clean to avoid mold issues in the summer.
5. Shredded Paper or Recycled Paper Bedding
Best for: Budget-friendly and eco-friendly.
Shredded paper bedding is a budget-friendly option for the summer months. It’s made from recycled paper, which makes it an eco-conscious choice. Shredded paper is lightweight, absorbent, and can help control odors, though it may need to be replaced more frequently than other bedding options.
Pros:
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Affordable and easy to find if you have access to paper recycling.
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Absorbs moisture and controls odors.
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Eco-friendly and sustainable.
Cons:
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Needs to be replaced regularly, especially if it gets wet.
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Can become clumpy when damp and may need frequent cleaning.
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Less durable and not as breathable as other bedding materials.
Recommendation: Recycled paper bedding works well for those looking for a budget-friendly, eco-friendly bedding option. Be sure to monitor moisture levels closely to prevent damp conditions.
6. Coconut Coir
Best for: Sustainable and moisture control.
Coconut coir, made from the husks of coconuts, is a natural, biodegradable bedding option that holds moisture well. It’s breathable and allows airflow, making it a great choice for summer. Coconut coir also decomposes quickly, making it ideal for composting.
Pros:
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Moisture-absorbent and helps regulate humidity in the coop.
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Soft and comfortable for chickens.
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Sustainable and eco-friendly.
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Quick decomposition makes it ideal for composting.
Cons:
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Can be more expensive than traditional bedding.
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Needs to be mixed with other bedding for better coverage.
Recommendation: Coconut coir is a great choice for those focused on sustainability and moisture control in the summer. It’s especially good for composting, making it a dual-purpose bedding.
How to Keep Your Chicken Coop Cool in Summer
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Provide shade: Ensure your chicken run has plenty of shaded areas where your chickens can retreat from the sun. You can use tarps or shade cloth to create cool zones.
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Ventilation: Proper ventilation is key to cooling down the coop. Install windows or vents that can be opened to create airflow.
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Misters or fans: If you live in an area with extreme heat, consider installing a fan or a mister system to help cool down the air inside the coop.
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Deep litter method: Use the deep litter method with bedding that breaks down over time. The natural decomposition process can help regulate temperature and humidity in the coop.
Conclusion: Choosing the Best Chicken Coop Bedding for Summer
Choosing the best chicken coop bedding for summer is all about managing moisture, promoting airflow, and keeping your chickens comfortable. Hemp bedding, pine shavings, and sand are all excellent choices for staying cool, while straw and recycled paper offer comfort and cost-effectiveness. Make sure to combine the right bedding with proper ventilation and shade, and your chickens will thrive even during the hottest months.
For easy calculations on the bedding quantity you need, use Chickencoopcalculator.com to ensure you get the right amount for your coop’s size and flock size. With the right bedding and setup, your chickens will stay happy and cool all summer long!