jam Posted August 26, 2009 Share Posted August 26, 2009 Hi A friend of mine told me that you shouldnt use hay as bedding in your chicken coop. Is this true? And also can you give chickens oats?? Jam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Newmarcell Posted August 26, 2009 Share Posted August 26, 2009 Hi Jam, In regard to the hay.. nope, don't use it with chickens. The mould spores can lead to respiration difficulties. I would recommend straw, paper shreadings, wood shavings (dust extracted) or a horse bedding such as auboise or hemcore. I use paper shreadings and straw in winter, but a lot of people on here use horse bedding to great success. In regard to oats... I think hens could eat them as a treat. I'm sure someone who's more certain about this will be along soon! Newmarcell Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted August 26, 2009 Share Posted August 26, 2009 Oats are ok but can be unpalatable depending on how they are prepared, rolled oats would not doubt go down ok followed by crushed then whole in palatability but I doubt they would be at the top of the 'treats we do like' board in the henhouse! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4Clucks-minusOne Posted August 26, 2009 Share Posted August 26, 2009 My 3 would mug anyone for jumbo oats as they are without a doubt their favourite treat. They will go anywhere with just a shake of the oats jar. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted August 27, 2009 Share Posted August 27, 2009 Your friend is right about not using hay. It can cause impacted crop and harbours parasites, so is best avoided. Similarly straw. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jam Posted August 27, 2009 Author Share Posted August 27, 2009 Thanks guys Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Speckled Hen Posted August 27, 2009 Share Posted August 27, 2009 Your friend is right about not using hay. It can cause impacted crop and harbours parasites, so is best avoided. Similarly straw. I've used straw in the nest box( 2 sleep in it) with my lot for four years and have had no problems at all, infact when I ran out and used hemcore they kicked it all out and roosted on the perches. BUT I do use small-pet straw from the pet shop. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
