There are these days many types of alternative litters to place on the floor and nest boxes in your poultry house/s. They vary in absorbency with at least one not really suitable for winter use or rather, continuous wet conditions. I can only suggest types which may appeal rather than categorically stating which the preferred litter is. We ourselves, having adequate supplies of all types, tend to use those which are non-saleable because bales have been split.
All I intend is to provide the reader with the many alternatives which may be sought out at any reliable store, the greater variation coming from retail outlets that also cater for domestic horses.
Wheat Straw is cheap and ideal for the normally dry period of the year but is less absorbent than others on offer. It can be used for both nest boxes and floor. Rots down easily and is perfect for compost heaps or roses and soft fruit during late autumn.
Hay. Must never be used under any condition, because it is overheating, encourages lice and mite, stains eggs when wet and can be a source of crop binding.
Barley Straw. Again should be avoided at all costs. The hasp on the beard causes eye irritation and sometimes opens up one side of the mouth where the two beaks join. This fills up with food and has to be treated. Barley straw is not particularly absorbent.
Clean Wood Shavings. There are not many suppliers of Wood Shavings who have not cheapened the product by adding up to 10% of other coarser wood products. Provided a good quality shaving is available then it normally seems to be the preferred choice. It is put in the nestboxes and floor and is reasonably absorbent. The house can quite easily be kept clean and smells very nice after this litter is used.
