Want to make cleaning your chicken coop simpler—and grow richer compost for your garden? The deep litter method could be your answer. But choosing the right bedding is the secret that makes this method thrive. The best bedding controls odor, boosts composting, and keeps your hens healthy and happy all year long. Let’s break down the top choices for deep litter bedding and help you pick the best option for your flock.
Quick Picks
- Small Pet Select Pine Shavings – Best Overall
- Standlee Premium Wheat Straw – Best Budget
- RentACoop Hemp Bedding – Best Premium
Buyer’s Guide
Not every bedding works well for deep litter. Here’s what you need to look for when picking bedding for this low-maintenance, compost-friendly method:
- Absorbency: Bedding should soak up moisture and droppings, keeping the base layer dry and reducing ammonia.
- Compostability: Choose a material that breaks down naturally into rich, garden-ready compost.
- Odor Control: Good bedding keeps smells at bay and helps hens breathe easy.
- Dust Level: Low-dust bedding is healthier for both chickens and keepers—especially in closed winter coops.
- Value: You’ll need several inches to start, and more to top off. Pick bedding that’s affordable and easy to replenish.
- Safety: Skip anything treated with chemicals, or that can cause impaction (like sand or sawdust).
Detailed Product Reviews
Small Pet Select Pine Shavings
Who it’s for: Chicken keepers who want a classic, safe, and highly effective bedding that excels at moisture control and composting.
- Key Benefits:
- Extra-absorbent, kiln-dried pine shavings for a dry, odor-free coop
- Breaks down quickly into dark, crumbly compost
- Large, fluffy flakes mean less dust for healthier hens
- Pros:
- Widely available and affordable
- Perfect for deep litter method—start with 4-6 inches and add more as needed
- Easy to rake and refresh
- Cons:
- Needs more frequent top-offs in wet weather
- Bulky to store in small spaces
- Final Verdict: The gold standard for deep litter—reliable, safe, and time-tested by backyard chicken keepers.
Standlee Premium Wheat Straw
Who it’s for: Budget-focused flock owners who want easy access to affordable, natural bedding for large or walk-in coops.
- Key Benefits:
- Natural wheat straw, free of pesticides and additives
- Decent absorbency, forms a “mat” that chickens love to scratch
- Turns into rich compost when mixed with manure over time
- Pros:
- Affordable and easy to find in most rural areas
- Good for adding to pine shavings for a mixed bedding approach
- Breaks down easily in compost piles
- Cons:
- Less absorbent than pine or hemp
- Can mat if left wet—needs stirring
- Final Verdict: The budget bedding for deep litter—works great mixed with shavings and makes garden-friendly compost.
RentACoop Hemp Bedding
Who it’s for: Anyone wanting premium performance, extra odor control, and less frequent bedding changes.
- Key Benefits:
- Extremely high absorbency—outperforms pine or straw in wet climates
- Low dust, hypoallergenic, and breaks down 2X faster than pine
- Natural pest resistance—less trouble with mites and flies
- Pros:
- Longer lasting—needs fewer top-offs
- Controls odor naturally and keeps ammonia low
- Excellent for those with respiratory sensitivity
- Cons:
- Costs more upfront than shavings or straw
- May be harder to find locally
- Final Verdict: The premium bedding for deep litter—perfect for those who want top results and the healthiest, cleanest coop possible.
America’s Choice Flake Pine Bedding
Who it’s for: Flock owners who want a trusted brand of pine shavings with reliable, large flake quality.
- Key Benefits:
- Large, fluffy flakes offer excellent moisture and odor control
- Low dust and safe for all poultry breeds
- Great for starting and topping off deep litter beds
- Pros:
- Affordable and available in big bales
- Good value for medium and large flocks
- Cons:
- Breaks down a bit slower than hemp
- Bulky packaging
- Final Verdict: A dependable alternative for deep litter, with classic results.
Lucerne Farms Koop Clean (Chopped Straw + Zeolite)
Who it’s for: Deep litter fans wanting extra ammonia control, especially in damp or crowded coops.
- Key Benefits:
- Unique blend of chopped straw and odor-busting zeolite minerals
- Excellent odor and moisture control—keeps bedding drier, longer
- Composts quickly and safely
- Pros:
- Easy to handle and spread
- Great for use under roosts or in high-traffic areas
- Cons:
- Pricier than plain straw or shavings
- Availability may be limited in some regions
- Final Verdict: The best “boost” bedding—excellent as an add-on layer for maximum odor control.
Comparison Table
| Name | Type | Absorbency | Compostability | Price Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Pet Select Pine Shavings | Pine | High | Excellent | View on Amazon |
| Standlee Premium Wheat Straw | Straw | Medium | Good | View on Amazon |
| RentACoop Hemp Bedding | Hemp | Very High | Excellent | View on Amazon |
| America’s Choice Flake Bedding | Pine | High | Excellent | View on Amazon |
| Lucerne Farms Koop Clean | Chopped Straw + Zeolite | High | Good | View on Amazon |
FAQ
How deep should bedding be for the deep litter method?
Start with 4–6 inches, then add more as the lower layers break down. Aim for 8–12 inches by winter for warmth and odor control.
How often do I need to change the bedding?
With deep litter, you only need to fully clean out once or twice per year. Just add fresh bedding on top as needed and stir occasionally.
Can I use sawdust, sand, or cedar chips?
Avoid sawdust and sand—they’re too fine and don’t compost well. Never use cedar, as the oils are toxic to chickens. Stick to pine, straw, or hemp.
What bedding is best for odor control?
Hemp and pine are both excellent for odor. Mixed straw and zeolite products add extra ammonia protection.
How do I know when to add more bedding?
If things start to smell or look wet, sprinkle on a new layer. Your nose and eyes are your best guides!
Conclusion
The deep litter method is a win for busy chicken keepers and healthy gardens—but only if you use the right bedding. Pine shavings, straw, and hemp are all proven performers. Choose based on your climate, budget, and how often you want to refresh. With the right choice, you’ll spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying fresh eggs and beautiful compost.
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