Pine VS Hemp Bedding for Chickens

Choosing the right bedding for your chicken coop is crucial for the health and well-being of your flock. Two popular options are hemp bedding and pine shavings, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. This article explores the pros and cons of both types of bedding, helping you make an informed decision if your considering moving to hemp bedding for your flock.

Absorbency

Hemp Bedding: Hemp bedding boasts a high absorbency rate, capable of holding up to four times its weight in moisture. This makes it an excellent choice for chicken owners, as it effectively absorbs waste and moisture, keeping the coop clean and dry. It's natural resistance to common pests and the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi helps prevent damp bedding from becoming dangerous.

Pine Shavings: In contrast, pine shavings have a moderate absorbency rate, which means they may become saturated more quickly. This can lead to a damp environment that requires more frequent changes, potentially compromising the health of your chickens.

Winner: Hemp Bedding
Hemp's superior absorbency makes it the better option for maintaining a clean and dry coop.

 

Odor Control

Hemp Bedding: The natural properties of hemp bedding help control odors effectively. Its high absorbency allows it to trap moisture and ammonia, the primary sources of unpleasant smells, keeping your coop smelling fresh. Additionally, our hemp is unretted, which mean's it has a pleasant natural scent instead of the funk of retted hemp.

Pine Shavings: While pine shavings may initially emit a pleasant piney scent, they can release volatile compounds as they break down, potentially contributing to odor in the coop. This can be an issue for both chickens and their caretakers.

Winner: Hemp Bedding
Hemp's ability to manage odors makes it the preferable choice for those sensitive to foul smells.

 

Comfort

Hemp Bedding: Chickens spend a significant amount of time in their coop, so comfort is essential. Hemp bedding is soft and fluffy, providing a cushioned surface that supports restful sleep and reduces pressure points.

Pine Shavings: Although pine shavings offer some cushioning, their coarse texture can be sharp and irritating, particularly for sensitive chickens. While suitable for nesting boxes, they may not provide the same level of comfort across the entire coop.

Winner: Hemp Bedding
Hemp bedding promotes better comfort for your chickens, enhancing their overall health.

 

Dust

Hemp Bedding: A significant advantage of hemp bedding is its low dust production. This is particularly beneficial for chickens prone to respiratory issues and for caregivers who want to minimize dust exposure during cleaning.

Pine Shavings: Pine shavings tend to generate more dust, especially when disturbed, which can irritate both chickens and humans. Additionally, they may harbor fungi that contribute to respiratory problems.

Winner: Hemp Bedding
Hemp's minimal dust production makes it the safer choice for respiratory health.

 

Cost

Hemp Bedding: Although hemp bedding has a higher initial cost, its long-lasting properties may result in cost savings over time. With its superior absorbency, it requires less frequent replacement, which can offset the upfront investment.

Pine Shavings: Pine shavings may seem more economical initially, but their lower absorbency means they often need to be replaced more frequently, which can add up over time.

Winner: Toss Up
It depends on numerous use factors. However, while Hemp pricier at first, we believe hemp bedding's longevity can lead to savings in the long run.

Sustainability

Hemp Bedding: Hemp is a highly renewable and eco-friendly resource, requiring less water and fewer pesticides compared to other crops. It grows quickly and can be cultivated in various climates, making it a sustainable option.

Pine Shavings: Although pine shavings come from renewable sources, pine trees grow slowly and can contribute to deforestation in some areas, which raises sustainability concerns.

Winner: Hemp Bedding
Hemp’s eco-friendliness makes it the better choice for environmentally conscious chicken keepers.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, while both hemp bedding and pine shavings are viable options for chicken bedding, hemp bedding clearly offers numerous advantages. With its high absorbency, effective odor control, superior comfort, low dust production, and sustainable nature, hemp bedding stands out as the optimal choice for the health and well-being of your chickens. Though it comes with a higher initial cost, the long-term benefits make it a worthwhile investment for any chicken owner.