There isn’t one “best” bedding for every coop. The right fit depends on your climate, flock size, and cleaning routine.

• Pine or aspen shavings: Soft, absorbent, and easy to spot-clean; monitor for dust.
• Hemp bedding: Typically low-dust with strong absorbency; can help manage odors with regular maintenance.
• Straw or hay: Cozy and insulating when kept dry; can mat if damp.
• Wood pellets: Highly absorbent and long-lasting; pellets expand with moisture.
• Coarse, washed sand: Easy to rake in dry setups; heavy to haul and not ideal for deep-litter style.
• Paper-based bedding: Soft and lightweight; may need more frequent refreshing.

Choose what suits your weather and how often you plan to clean.

Timing varies with flock size, weather, and bedding type. Instead of a set schedule, use cues from your coop.

• Spot-clean regularly: Remove droppings and wet spots daily or a few times a week.
• Full refresh: When bedding looks compacted, feels damp, or you notice ammonia odor, it’s time to change.
• By material: Shavings/hemp often need periodic top-offs and occasional full changes; sand is raked frequently and replaced as needed; deep-litter users add dry layers often and do seasonal clean-outs.
• Environment matters: Humid weather and tight coops may require more frequent changes; dry, well-ventilated coops may need fewer.

Keeping bedding dry and adding fresh material as needed can help maintain a comfortable coop.

Estimate by measuring your coop and the depth you prefer, then match that to the volume listed on each product page.

1. Measure floor area: Length × width (in square feet).
2. Choose layer depth: Decide how thick you want the bedding.
3. Calculate volume: Area × depth gives cubic feet needed.
4. Check bag volume: Packages list volume in liters or cubic feet; compare to your estimate.
5. Plan for top-offs: Having a little extra on hand helps with quick refreshes.

Example: A 20 sq ft coop with about a 2-inch layer uses roughly 3–4 cubic feet. Adjust for your setup and cleaning routine.

Nesting pads can make egg areas cleaner and more comfortable, which many keepers find helpful.

• Cushioning: Provides a soft, consistent surface that can reduce egg scuffs and cracks.
• Easy upkeep: Pads are simple to shake out or replace; some reusable styles can be rinsed.
• Reliable shape: Maintains a tidy nest without rearranging loose material daily.
• Fit and sizing: Common pads are around 12×12 or 13×13 inches to fit many boxes; trim if needed.
• Optional add-ons: Some pads pair with nesting herbs for a fresh scent; use based on your preference.

They’re a convenient way to keep nest boxes tidy with minimal fuss.

Coarse, washed sand can be a practical choice in certain setups, but it isn’t universal.

• Best fit: Dry, well-drained coops and runs where you can rake droppings daily with a scoop.
• Maintenance: Sand doesn’t break down like shavings; you’ll remove waste frequently and replace sand only as needed.
• Considerations: It’s heavy to move, and in damp or humid conditions it may stay wet longer than loose, absorbent bedding.
• Not for deep litter: Sand isn’t typically used with composting/deep-litter approaches.
• Comfort and climate: In colder weather, sand can feel cool underfoot; some keepers prefer softer materials.

Match sand to your climate, coop design, and cleaning routine for the best results.