[pink-chicken]

We've finally been able to collect Hemcore now that we have transport again  I've read on the outer bag to add water once it's been spread around? Do any of you do this for your girlies bedding or is it just needed where horses are concerned? I just wanted to be sure that I get it right  :blink:

Jan.x

[Aunt Sally]

No, I don't.

[pink-chicken]

Thanks Aunt Sally, that's good news as I was a bit worried it be be damp for them if wet. I can't wait to try it out 

Jan.x

[Kate and her Ducks]

I don't either.

[pink-chicken]

Thank you too Kate 

Jan.x

[joyfull]

me neither 

[Debz]

Me neither but then I never read the instructions!

[Flowerpower136]

Sorry to hijack thread, but interested.

Using woodshavings and finding it does a good job of absorbing what needs to be absorbed, and gives the coup that cosy snuggly look!

So......why is hemcore preferable?  And what is the cost difference?

[joyfull]

Hemcore is more absorbant and has citronella in it so helping to cut down on flies. I used to use dust extracted shavings but now would not switch back except in an emergency 

[Sassy]

We've finally been able to collect Hemcore now that we have transport again  I've read on the outer bag to add water once it's been spread around? Do any of you do this for your girlies bedding or is it just needed where horses are concerned? I just wanted to be sure that I get it right  :blink:

Jan.x

The advice to water it once down is really only for horses to try and make a more firm base for the bed.Personally I wouldn't do it for chooks.

[grumpydad]

i use hemcore and easibed, depends on where i am going when i need some, i never wet mine either.
stopped using woodshavings as it still turned to dust underneath

[IMOmimey]

I use both, in fact i use straw too, different for each coop really. The hemcore i use for my old ladies/retired gentlemen, because they tend to attract more flies and poop more in that, the biggest coop.  I use straw for all the nesting boxes.

 I did an experiment last year, putting straw in one half of the coop, and various bedding in the other half. without exception, all 5 of my breeding trios, AND the big coop with all the geriatrics/waifs and strays, chose the straw to nest and lay eggs in, but slept in the alternative bedding. I found this fascinating. The silkies get caught up with the hemcore and shavings in their fluff, so they get straw. The remainder of the trios have shavings, which I find easier to dispose of (by burning).

Oh, sorry, and no I dont water the hemcore, it is absorbent to absorb chooky moisture (especially good for the condensation you get from wet choox sleeping).

[pink-chicken]

Thank's for all replies  I love the way each has his or her own variation on the theme but are more or less fairly similar. Also IMOmimey re experimentation, it would be fascinating to watch what the girls etc. prefer and their reactions to different bedding. I expect it's all a case of trial and error but it's great to read about everyone's ways of keeping their chooks comfy.

Jan.x 

[littlewitch]

As an alternative to Hemcore (not available, easily in my area S.Wales) have had to substitute a similar product (aubiose - also made from centre of hemp) as am also unable to get 'chop straw' which we bought when we got our chooks 1st.  OH insists on using something that will easily break down on his compost heaps/bins - says wood shavings will take too long.  As to price, similar size bale to bale of 'chop straw' costs us same - just under a tenner - but it does seem to last as we 'pick over' the nest boxes daily and main tray every couple of days with major clean out approx 7 - 10 days (depending on weather conditions).

[pink-chicken]

Littlewitch after reading other users advice on the bedding thing too, Aubiose is an excellent product and very similar to Hemcore. I think it's just a case of which is easist to find regarding our locations and I'd happily use Aubiose too it stockists were closer  It was still quite a treck to fetch our Hemcore though, if only these things were available at garden centres etc life would be a lot easier 

Jan.x