2 chickens legs standing on the side of a box with hay

Best Bedding Options for Chickens in the Winter

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As the cold weather approaches, it’s crucial for chicken owners to ensure that their feathered friends stay warm, comfortable, and healthy. While backyard chickens are tough birds and can handle cold winter months, they still require a bit of help to ensure their health and safety during this time of year.

One of the essential elements in providing a cozy environment for your backyard chickens during the winter is choosing the right chicken coop bedding material. Proper bedding not only keeps your flock warm but also helps maintain a clean and dry coop. Today, we’ll explore the best type of bedding options for chickens in the winter, helping you make an informed decision to keep your poultry happy and thriving.

Best Bedding Options for Chickens in the Winter

inside of a chicken coop

Wood Shavings

Pine shavings are my choice for chicken bedding, and also probably one of the most popular bedding materials. They’re absorbent and help control moisture effectively, which is crucial for preventing frostbite on your chickens’ feet. The pleasant smell of pine shavings also helps to mask odors and deter pests. Make sure you use shavings specifically marked as suitable for poultry bedding, as they are processed to be safe for chickens. Pine shavings are available at your local feed store, or online here.

DO NOT use cedar shavings. I’ll explain why later in this post.

Hemp Bedding

Hemp bedding is a more recent addition to the list of bedding options for chickens. It’s highly absorbent, which helps keep the coop dry during the winter months. Hemp is also biodegradable and eco-friendly, making it a great choice for environmentally-conscious chicken keepers. It’s important to note that not all hemp bedding products are suitable for chickens, so look for those specifically designed for poultry use.

I haven’t used this bedding yet, but I plan to once I run out of my pine shavings.  I will update this post if I find this is not a good bedding option.

a few fall leaves on grass

Leaves and Grass Clippings

Chickens enjoy scratching and foraging in leaves and grass clippings, which can provide entertainment and mental stimulation for them. If you take the clippings and leaves from your yard, your chickens might find insects in the bedding, which adds to their diet.

They can also absorb moisture effectively, which helps keep the coop dry and minimizes odors.  Just take note that leaves and grass clippings will break down over time, so you’ll need to replace the bedding periodically to maintain cleanliness and absorbency.

Deep Litter Method

The deep litter method is an alternative approach to winter bedding that can work well in cold climates. Instead of regularly removing and replacing bedding, you add new litter material (such as straw, hay, or pine shavings) on top of existing bedding as it decomposes. The beneficial microbes and composting action generate heat, helping to keep the coop warm. This method requires regular turning and monitoring to prevent excessive moisture buildup and odors.

Start with a layer of fresh, clean bedding material and spread it on the coop floor. The layer should be several inches thick to provide a comfortable and insulating surface for your flock of chickens. Next, as previously mentioned, add fresh chicken bedding material on top of the existing layer. This helps absorb moisture and control odors. The accumulating layers of bedding provide insulation and warmth for the birds, which is especially important in cold winters. 

Come spring, the composted material can be used as a valuable source of organic matter and nutrients for gardens or fields. This compost pile is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and other essential elements, making it an excellent natural fertilizer.

someone petting a brown chicken standing on hay

Bedding Options to Use With Caution

Straw

Straw is another choice for chicken bedding in the winter but with some caveats. Straw provides excellent insulation and helps to maintain warmth in the coop. Straw is also relatively affordable and readily available at most feed stores or local farms.

However, the longer the straw is stored, the higher the chance of mold growth. You must be sure to fluff and replace straw bedding regularly to keep it dry, as wet straw can develop mold, which is harmful to chickens.

Hay

Like straw, hay is another bedding option for winter with caveats. It’s a great insulator and provides comfort and warmth for your chickens. Hay is often easier to come by than straw and can be used in the deep litter method.

Like straw, it needs regular turning to prevent moisture buildup. The most critical factor in mold growth is moisture. If hay becomes wet and is not allowed to dry properly, it can become a breeding ground for mold. Rain, snow, high humidity, or improper storage can introduce moisture.

Sand

Some chicken keepers opt for sand as bedding material, even in winter. While the use of sand provides excellent drainage and doesn’t clump or become mucky, it can lead to unsanitary conditions in the coop, as it won’t absorb moisture and may become muddy or dusty.

If you do decide to use sand, make sure you provide some additional insulation such as wood chips, as sand doesn’t have the same insulating properties as straw or hay.

pile of sawdust

Bedding Options to Not Use

Cedar Shavings

Cedar shavings are toxic to chickens!  They release aromatic compounds and oils that can be harmful to chickens’ respiratory systems and can also irritate chickens’ skin and feathers.  Some types of cedar shavings contain natural oils and chemicals that can be toxic to chickens if ingested. Chickens may peck at their bedding, and if they consume cedar shavings, it can lead to digestive issues or worse – poisoning.

Cat Litter

Cat litter is also toxic to chickens.  Many cat litters are made from clay or silica gel, which can be harmful if chickens peck at or eat them. Cat litter can also produce dust when disturbed, and inhaling this dust can lead to respiratory problems for chickens. Chickens have sensitive respiratory systems, and dusty bedding materials can lead to respiratory distress or infections.

Sawdust from treated wood

Sawdust from chemically treated or painted wood can contain toxins that are harmful to chickens. Avoid using such materials in the coop to prevent health problems for your chickens.

Synthetic materials

Avoid using synthetic materials like rubber, plastic, or carpet, as they are not suitable for chickens and can be difficult to clean.  Stick to organic material for your hen house.


Choosing the right bedding material for the floor of your coop in the winter is a critical decision that affects your chickens’ comfort, health, and overall well-being. Each of the bedding options mentioned has its advantages, and the choice often depends on factors such as your climate, budget, and personal preferences.

Regardless of the bedding you select, remember to keep the coop clean, dry, and well-ventilated to ensure a cozy and inviting home for your chickens during the colder months. Your attentive care will be rewarded with a happy, healthy flock that continues to lay eggs and thrive throughout the winter.

What questions do you have? Let me know in the comments!

Related Posts:
How to Winterize Your Chicken Coop and Run
Easy Ways to Keep Chicken Water From Freezing
The Dangers of Using a Heat Lamp for Your Chickens

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