Thoughts on hay

[Fmarie1016]

I usually use hay in my coop. My husband came home from a job on a farm and said that the lady told him not to use hay, because they get bored and eat it, eventually binding them up and causing a problem. Does anyone know anything about this? Should I switch to a different bedding. Also, they are free range when I'm home but they are not old enough to be out alone yet so I feel like they get enough entertainment during the day.

 

[FortCluck]

I use hay and straw, and I've never seen them eat the hay. If they are free ranging then they should have enough entertainment to keep them from being bored.

It sounds like to me that person may have kept their chickens in the coop for a long period of time and that's what might have happened because they were bored from being cooped up.

 

[Fmarie1016]

I use hay and straw, and I've never seen them eat the hay. If they are free ranging then they should have enough entertainment to keep them from being bored.

It sounds like to me that person may have kept their chickens in the coop for a long period of time and that's what might have happened because they were bored from being cooped up.

I have seen them eat it, and whenever I clean the coop and lay more hay they come running in to eat it. Honestly I just think they like it, especially the Timothy hay I put in their nesting boxes

 

[FortCluck]

I've never had any issues with mine eating hay, they would rather eat the grass and bugs that are outside. Mine have been free ranging since they were a week old.

 

[Fmarie1016]

I've never had any issues with mine eating hay, they would rather eat the grass and bugs that are outside. Mine have been free ranging since they were a week old.

I'm just worried about them being able to defend themselves against the local cats and such

 

[aart]

eventually binding them up and causing a problem.

Gorging on too much hay too quickly might clog the crop.

IMO, it's not the best bedding anyway.
Can depend how many birds in what sized space in what climate.

 

[FireGal]

I have questions about hay. We are in Arkansas, so cold winter but not ridiculously cold. Our coop is 8x8x10. It has roosting bars floor to ceiling on one side. It is built from wood with a metal roof, and a full size storm door. It has a sealed wood floor that currently I just clean every day -no bedding of any kind because they roost. I am thinking of putting hay on the floor and around the walls a few inches to a foot or so deep to help keep it warmer during the winter. At the moment the girls don’t huddle together but they might start when it gets cold and I want to be prepared.
Thoughts?

 

[Alaskan]

I think it just depends on what you have available and what works best for you.

I can't imagine them starting to huddle in an Arkansas winter....

Mine don't huddle unless they are chicks.

So... whatever works for you.... but I find wood chips/shavings are easiest to deal with and best.

 

[aart]

I have questions about hay. We are in Arkansas, so cold winter but not ridiculously cold. Our coop is 8x8x10. It has roosting bars floor to ceiling on one side. It is built from wood with a metal roof, and a full size storm door. It has a sealed wood floor that currently I just clean every day -no bedding of any kind because they roost. I am thinking of putting hay on the floor and around the walls a few inches to a foot or so deep to help keep it warmer during the winter. At the moment the girls don’t huddle together but they might start when it gets cold and I want to be prepared.
Thoughts?

@FireGal What does the bolded part above mean?

Would be good if you started a new thread here with pics of your coop inside and out so we can help you prepare your coop for winter.
Ventilation is much more important than 'insulation' on the floor.

 

[sorce]

I use Timothy hay simply because my daughter had it for the hamster. Never caught em eating it, though they do get out most of the day.

I agree @aart , @FireGal bedding makes it easier to clean and at way less intervals. Free yourself!

Sorce