10 Best Chicken Bedding For Composting (2024 Update)

When you shop through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. This educational content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice.

If you're a chicken owner, you probably know that chickens produce a lot of waste. Fortunately, chicken manure is a valuable resource for gardeners and homesteaders. Chicken bedding, in particular, is an excellent source of organic matter for composting. However, not all chicken bedding is created equal. Here are five key points to consider when looking for chicken bedding for composting:

1. Absorbency: Chicken bedding should be absorbent enough to soak up moisture from the coop, but not so absorbent that it clumps together and creates a mess.

2. Biodegradability: Look for bedding that will break down quickly in the compost pile, such as straw, wood shavings or sawdust.

3. Nitrogen content: Chicken manure is high in nitrogen, so you'll want to balance it out with a carbon-rich bedding material to create a well-rounded compost mix.

4. Pesticide-free: Make sure the bedding you choose is free of pesticides or other harmful chemicals that could contaminate your compost or harm your garden.

5. Availability: Consider the availability and cost of the bedding material in your area. You may need to experiment with a few different types of bedding to find what works best for you.

In summary, the ideal chicken bedding for composting should be absorbent, biodegradable, balanced in nitrogen and carbon, pesticide-free, and readily available. By keeping these key points in mind, you can create a nutrient-rich compost that will benefit your garden and reduce waste on your homestead.

10 Best Chicken Bedding For Composting

1. Premium Hemp Bedding (300 L) For Coops & Pets – E.u. Grown

RentACoop Premium Hemp Bedding is a top-quality product that is ideal for use in chicken coops, nesting boxes, rabbit hutches, hamster cages, and other small pet enclosures. This bedding is also suitable for horses and other large animals. It is made from hemp grown in the European Union without the use of any pesticides or insecticides, making it eco-friendly and safe for pets.

One of the key features of this bedding is its incredible absorbency. It can absorb an impressive amount of moisture, which means less mess and odor in your pet's living space. This makes it a popular choice among pet owners who want to keep their animals comfortable and healthy.

Another benefit of RentACoop Premium Hemp Bedding is its durability. It lasts much longer than traditional pine shavings, which makes it a more economical choice in the long run. When it finally does expire, it can be used as compost, which makes it an environmentally friendly option as well.

This bedding is suitable for animals of all sizes, from rabbits and cats to horses and other large livestock. It is easy to use and comes in a 300L bag that weighs approximately 33 pounds. This bag can cover an 8'x6' coop with 1.5 inches of bedding, which equates to approximately 50 square feet.

Overall, RentACoop Premium Hemp Bedding is a top-quality product that offers a range of benefits for pet owners. It is safe, eco-friendly, and incredibly absorbent, which means less mess and odor in your pet's living space. It is also durable and economical, making it a popular choice among pet owners who want the best for their animals. Whether you have a small hamster cage or a large horse stall, this bedding is sure to provide the comfort and cleanliness your pets deserve.

2. Petmate's Precision Pet Chicken Nesting Pads – 10 Pack, 13"x13" Fit Most Nesting Boxes.

The Precision Pet Chicken Nesting Pads by Petmate are a premium bedding option for chicken owners. These pads are designed to keep eggs clean and dry, thanks to their thin wood shavings that draw moisture away from the surface. The pads are compatible with most standard nesting boxes and fit perfectly inside Petmate Chicken Coop nesting boxes.

One of the key benefits of these nesting pads is their flexibility. The wood shavings on the surface allow hens to modify the nest to their liking while still maintaining their shape. This means that chickens will be comfortable while nesting and less likely to break their eggs.

The Precision Pet Chicken Nesting Pads are also 100% compostable. Made from sustainable materials, they can be safely composted after use for sustainable farming or gardening. This is not only good for the environment but also for the chickens, as it provides a healthy and natural environment for them to live in.

The multi-pack includes 10 pads, each measuring 13 inches square. This means that chicken owners will have plenty of pads on hand to replace as needed. The pads are made from 100% Great Lakes Aspen and are proudly made in the USA.

Overall, the Precision Pet Chicken Nesting Pads by Petmate are a top-quality bedding option for chicken owners. They provide a comfortable and clean environment for chickens to lay their eggs, while also being sustainable and environmentally friendly.

3. Manna Pro Fresh Flakes | Chicken Coop Bedding | Pine Shavings For Chicken Bedding | 4 Cubic Feet

Manna Pro Fresh Flakes is a premium quality chicken coop bedding made from all-natural and compostable pine shavings. This product is an excellent choice for chicken keepers who want to provide their feathered friends with a comfortable and healthy living environment.

One of the most noteworthy features of Manna Pro Fresh Flakes is that it is low dust. Unlike some other types of bedding, it creates minimal dust when you handle it, which is great for both you and your chickens. Dust can be harmful to chickens' respiratory systems, so avoiding it is essential for their health.

The pine shavings used in Manna Pro Fresh Flakes are ultra-absorbent, which makes them ideal for use in chicken coops. They have a low moisture content, which means they will quickly absorb any moisture and odors in the coop, keeping it clean and fresh smelling. This reduces the chances of bacterial growth and disease in the coop.

Another advantage of Manna Pro Fresh Flakes is that it is compostable. When you're ready to change out the bedding, you can add it to your compost pile and use it to fertilize your garden. This is an eco-friendly solution that reduces waste and benefits your plants.

Manna Pro Fresh Flakes comes in a 4 cubic feet bag, making it easy to use and store. It is also affordable, making it an excellent option for chicken keepers on a budget.

Overall, Manna Pro Fresh Flakes is an excellent choice for chicken coop bedding. It is all-natural, low dust, ultra-absorbent, and compostable. It provides a comfortable and healthy living environment for your chickens while also being environmentally friendly and affordable. If you're looking for a high-quality bedding option for your coop, Manna Pro Fresh Flakes is definitely worth considering.

4. Eaton Pet And Pasture's Hemp Pet Bedding: Natural, Absorbent, Eco-Friendly, And Farmer Owned (28l)

Eaton Pet and Pasture offers a unique, naturally grown hemp pet bedding product that is perfect for chickens, nesting boxes, rabbits, hamsters, and other small pets. The product is highly absorbent, hypoallergenic, eco-friendly, and farmer-owned, providing pet owners with a clean and pure bedding option that is safe for their furry family members.

The hemp used in the bedding is grown without the use of pesticides or herbicides, ensuring that the product is completely pure and free from harmful chemicals. This makes it an ideal bedding option for pet owners who are looking for a safe, environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional bedding products.

In addition to being clean and pure, Eaton Pet and Pasture's hemp pet bedding is also highly effective at absorbing moisture. Hemp absorbs two times more than traditional bedding materials and stays dry much longer, reducing the risk of respiratory and other health issues.

The bedding is also hypoallergenic, making it an excellent choice for pets that are prone to allergies or respiratory issues. Unlike other bedding materials, Eaton Pet and Pasture's hemp bedding has little to no dust, which can be irritating to pets and their owners.

The bedding is incredibly soft and cozy, providing pets with a comfortable place to rest and sleep. Made from 100% naturally grown hemp, the bedding is far superior to other heavily processed materials like wood shavings, paper, straw, corncobs, and hay.

Eaton Pet and Pasture's hemp pet bedding is also sustainable, biodegradable, and compostable, making it an excellent choice for pet owners who are concerned about the environment. Hemp is one of the most sustainable plants on the planet, and pet owners can feel good knowing that their purchase is helping to reduce their environmental impact.

Finally, Eaton Pet and Pasture's hemp pet bedding is made in the USA and farmer-owned. As farmers, the company understands the importance of raising happy and healthy animals, and they apply this same care and attention to their bedding products. When pet owners choose Eaton Pet and Pasture, they are choosing the best for their furry family members.

5. Heavy-Duty Dual Chamber Compost Tumbler With 2 Sliding Doors – 55.4 Gallon Capacity.

The Miracle-Gro Large Dual Chamber Compost Tumbler is the perfect solution for gardeners who want to achieve a bountiful harvest or a stunning front yard full of vibrant flowers. This compost tumbler features two chambers with a total volume of 55.4 gallons (210 liters), allowing you to produce a constant and abundant supply of nutrient-rich compost that your plants will love.

Serious gardeners need an endless supply of compost to keep their gardens looking and producing their best. With its dual chamber design and high volume capacity, the Miracle-Gro Large Dual Chamber Compost Tumbler makes it easy to produce and maintain a constant supply of compost. You can add compost ingredients to one side while letting the other side cure, ensuring that you never run out of compost again.

The Miracle-Gro Large Dual Chamber Compost Tumbler is designed to be fast and easy to use. Its efficient tumbler system is simple to load and unload, and it creates perfectly cooked compost without having to dig, turn, or mix by hand. Plus, it's designed to speed up decomposition, yielding rich, fertile compost in just 4-6 weeks.

Crafted with sturdy side-locking mechanisms, a strong galvanized steel base, and tight seals to keep out unwanted pests, the Miracle-Gro Large Dual Chamber Compost Tumbler is built to last. The BPA-free, food grade, UV-protected plastic ensures faster and more efficient composting all year round, while never leaching harmful toxins.

In addition to the compost tumbler, you'll also receive a free bonus gift of a pair of Scotts multi-purpose gardening gloves. Each pair is latex-free, water-resistant, and features a no-slip grip, making them perfect for both indoor and outdoor gardening projects.

Overall, the Miracle-Gro Large Dual Chamber Compost Tumbler is a dependable and efficient way to produce a constant supply of nutrient-rich compost that will help your plants thrive. With its easy-to-use design and durable construction, it's a must-have for serious gardeners who want to achieve their gardening goals.

6. 33lb Industrial Hemp Bale For Small Animal And Chicken Bedding In Rural Areas.

Rural365's Chicken Hemp Bedding is a high-quality, eco-friendly bedding option for small animals and backyard chicken coops. Made from industrial hemp, this bedding provides a soft and comfortable environment for your pets while also offering incredible absorbency. In fact, it can absorb up to four times its weight, making it twice as absorbent as pine shavings, animal wood chip bedding, or straw.

One of the key benefits of using hemp bedding for your pets is that it is less acidic and creates minimal dust, which makes it healthier for your small animals. Additionally, hemp bedding is free of chemicals and dyes, making it safe even for your burrowing pets.

In terms of its economic value, hemp bedding is an all-natural option that is eco-friendly and lasts longer than standard wood and paper bedding options. It is grown and packaged in the Netherlands and is available in a 33-pound (15kg) bag, which can lay a 1.5-inch base for an 8 x 6-foot large chicken coop. Please note that the color of the bedding may vary depending on field conditions, but this does not affect the quality of the product.

Using Rural365's Chicken Hemp Bedding is easy. Simply spread the hemp shavings in your chicken coop or small animal cage, mist it with water, and turn it over to activate its absorbent properties. It's perfect for the deep litter method and can provide a high thermal rating for your pets.

In summary, Rural365's Chicken Hemp Bedding is a safe, comfortable, and eco-friendly bedding option for your small animals and chickens. It offers incredible absorbency, is less acidic, and creates minimal dust, and is free of chemicals and dyes. Plus, it's an economical choice that is easy to use and lasts longer than other bedding options.

7. 6x6x22 White Vinyl Keyhole Garden With Composting Basket, Bpa & Pthalate Free.

The Vita Classic 6 Foot x 6 Foot x 22 inch White Vinyl Keyhole Garden with Composting Basket, BPA, Phthalate Free, VT17107 is an innovative and eco-friendly gardening solution for those who are looking to grow fresh, organic vegetables and compost household waste all in one place. The garden is made of food grade BPA and phthalate free vinyl, ensuring that it is safe for growing food and free of any harmful chemicals that could potentially leach into the soil or plants.

One of the key features of the Vita Classic garden is the built-in composting basket, which allows you to compost your household waste and turn it into rich, nutrient-dense soil for your plants. This not only reduces the amount of waste that goes into landfills, but also provides a sustainable source of fertilizer for your garden. The keyhole design of the garden also makes it easy to add compost and water to your plants without disturbing their roots.

In addition to its composting capabilities, the Vita Classic garden is also incredibly easy to maintain and clean. The vinyl material is resistant to stains, mold, and mildew, and can be easily wiped down with a damp cloth or hosed off with a garden hose. This means that you can spend more time enjoying your garden and less time worrying about upkeep.

The white color of the garden is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also serves a practical purpose. White reflects sunlight and helps to keep the soil and plants cool during hot summer months, which can be especially beneficial for delicate plants. The garden also comes with a 20-year warranty against material defects, so you can be confident in your investment for years to come.

Overall, the Vita Classic 6 Foot x 6 Foot x 22 inch White Vinyl Keyhole Garden with Composting Basket, BPA, Phthalate Free, VT17107 is a versatile and sustainable solution for those who want to grow fresh, organic vegetables and compost their household waste in the same space. Its food grade vinyl material, composting capabilities, and easy maintenance make it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners alike.

8. 5lb Non-Gmo Dried Mealworms For Wild Birds, Chickens, Ducks, Fish, Reptiles, Tortoises, Amphibians, And Lizards – High-Protein Feed

Hatortempt 5 lbs Non-GMO Dried Mealworms are high-protein mealworms that provide a nutritious food source for various animals such as wild birds, chickens, ducks, fish, reptiles, tortoises, amphibians, and lizards. These mealworms are 100% natural, non-GMO, and free from preservatives and additives.

The production process of Hatortempt&PTCOM Dried Mealworms involves strict checking of every link to ensure that the mealworms are raised on high-quality feed in good conditions. They are quick-dried to preserve their crispness and fragrance and to maximize the flavor that animals crave.

These dried mealworms are rich in protein and fat, crude fiber, vitamins, and top-grade edible oils, making them an excellent food source for bluebirds and other wild birds, chickens, ducks, gooses, sugar gliders, hedgehogs, reptiles, and other small animals that eat mealworms.

The convenient, firm, and resealable zip-top bags make it easy to bring out the mealworms and store them without the need for refrigeration. This ensures that the mealworms stay fresh and do not spoil.

Hatortempt&PTCOM Dried Mealworms are guaranteed to provide satisfactory products to customers. If customers are not satisfied, they can receive a refund. This shows the company's commitment to providing high-quality products and ensuring customer satisfaction.

Overall, Hatortempt 5 lbs Non-GMO Dried Mealworms are a nutritious and convenient food source for various animals. They are made from high-quality ingredients and are free from harmful additives, making them a safe and healthy choice for animal feeding.

9. 10-Pack Coco Coir Chicken Nest Pads For Hen House Bottom – Thickened Coconut Fiber Bedding Mats For Laying Eggs And Composting

The Aulock 10 Pack Thickened Coco Coir Liner Chicken Nest Pads are a high-quality poultry supply that is perfect for keeping your chickens happy and healthy. Each package comes with 10 coconut fiber nesting box liners that are designed to provide a comfortable and safe environment for your hens.

Measuring at approximately 11.8 × 11.8 inches, these nesting pads are suitable for grown-up chickens and can meet the needs of small chicken coops. Made from natural plant fibers, the Aulock Coco Coir Liner Chicken Nest Pads are thick yet soft, providing a comfortable and environmentally friendly option for your feathered friends.

The nesting pads are stable in shape and can be easily removed and put in. The surface of the henhouse mat is slightly rough with high density, which makes it easier to collect eggs than other nesting substrates, and prevents the laid eggs from being damaged. These nest pads are perfect for ensuring that your chickens are comfortable and protected, while also providing a convenient way to collect eggs.

Cleaning the Aulock Coco Coir Liner Chicken Nest Pads is quick and easy. The pads are not disposable and have a dry surface that can be easily shaken off to remove chicken manure. This makes them reusable and a great option for those who want to maintain a sustainable and eco-friendly environment for their chickens.

These chicken nesting pads have a wide range of applications. They can be used not only for poultry nest liners but also for safe composting after family sustainable farming or gardening. The Aulock Coco Coir Liner Chicken Nest Pads are a versatile and practical option for anyone who wants to keep their chickens happy and healthy while also maintaining an eco-friendly environment.

Best Chicken Bedding For Composting FAQs

Are there any special considerations or precautions that should be taken when composting chicken bedding?

Yes, there are certain precautions that should be taken when composting chicken bedding. Firstly, it is important to ensure that the chicken bedding is free of any harmful substances such as pesticides or herbicides. Additionally, chicken manure is high in nitrogen and can cause the compost pile to become too hot, which can kill off beneficial microbes. To prevent this, it is recommended to mix the chicken bedding with a carbon-rich material such as straw or shredded leaves to balance the nitrogen content. It is also important to regularly turn the compost pile to aerate it and ensure that it is decomposing properly. Finally, before using the compost, it is important to allow it to fully mature and decompose to ensure that any harmful pathogens have been eliminated. Overall, by following these precautions, chicken bedding can be successfully composted and turned into a valuable soil amendment for gardening and farming.

Can chicken manure be used as a fertilizer in the garden after composting the bedding?

Yes, chicken manure can be used as a fertilizer in the garden after composting the bedding. Composting the bedding is important because it allows the manure to break down and become a nutrient-rich soil amendment. Chicken manure is an excellent source of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are essential nutrients for plant growth. However, it is important to compost the manure properly to avoid any potential health risks or unpleasant odors. Composting the bedding for several months will kill any harmful pathogens and reduce the strong odor, making it safe and beneficial for use in the garden. Before using the composted chicken manure, it is recommended to perform a soil test to determine the nutrient needs of the plants and adjust the application rate accordingly. It is also important to avoid over-applying the composted manure, as this can lead to nutrient imbalances and potentially harm the plants.

How long does it take for chicken bedding to break down in a compost pile?

I can provide a professional answer to the question.

Chicken bedding can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months to break down in a compost pile, depending on various factors such as the size of the pile, moisture levels, and temperature. Bedding made from wood shavings, sawdust, or straw is high in carbon and therefore considered a brown material in composting. It needs to be balanced with green materials such as food scraps or grass clippings to allow for proper decomposition. Additionally, regularly turning the pile and ensuring adequate moisture levels are essential for speeding up the process.

It's important to note that chicken bedding can be a valuable addition to compost as it adds nutrients and can improve soil quality. However, it's essential to ensure that the bedding does not contain any harmful chemicals or pathogens that can be detrimental to plants or humans.

What are the benefits of using chicken bedding for composting, and how does it compare to other types of composting materials?

Using chicken bedding for composting provides several benefits. Chicken manure is high in nitrogen, which is an essential nutrient for plant growth. Using chicken bedding in compost increases the nitrogen content of the compost, making it more effective as a soil amendment. Chicken bedding also contains carbon, a necessary component of compost, and improves the soil's structure.

Compared to other types of composting materials, chicken bedding is an excellent source of nitrogen, but it must be balanced with carbon-rich materials like straw or leaves. Chicken bedding compost can be ready for use in as little as three months, making it a faster composting process than other materials, which can take up to a year. Additionally, chicken bedding is readily available and affordable, making it an excellent option for small-scale gardening and farming.

What types of chicken bedding are suitable for composting and which ones should be avoided?

When it comes to chicken bedding, some types are suitable for composting, while others should be avoided. Generally, materials that are high in nitrogen and carbon are ideal for composting. These include straw, hay, and wood shavings. Manure and chicken droppings can also be composted, but they should be mixed with other materials to avoid an excess of nitrogen, which can create an unpleasant odor.

On the other hand, some types of bedding should be avoided for composting due to their chemical composition or potential health hazards. These include cedar and pine shavings, which contain aromatic oils that can harm chickens' respiratory systems, as well as treated or painted wood, which may contain harmful chemicals.

It's important to note that the composting process should be done correctly to avoid any potential health risks. The compost pile should be turned regularly and kept moist to ensure proper decomposition. Ultimately, the choice of chicken bedding for composting will depend on individual preferences and needs.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

Sharing is caring!