Revolutionary Hemp Bedding for Chickens: 2024’s Sustainable Solution
Introduction:
Welcome to my blog, chicken fanciers!
I want to try hemp bedding for my backyard chickens, so I thought I would post about this topic. Maybe you could let me know what you think or have found out about this product. Is it expensive? Is it worth the money? How long did you use it for?
BTW: Hemp is NOT Marijuana! It will not make my Chickens get HIGH, and it will not make me get high – it doesn’t have enough THC to get anyone high. However, it is sustainable and valuable for making rope, food, canvas, and chicken bedding!
Is Hemp Bedding Any Good?
This is a discussion on how this bedding could potentially revolutionize my (and maybe your) chicken enclosure. Over the years, I have tried many methods with varying results. I have not yet tried Hemp Bedding, but I am curious to see if it could benefit my setup.
This post will explore the numerous supposed benefits of hemp bedding for our chickens and, with what I have learned so far (without using the product yet), offer insights on why Hemp Bedding might optimize the chook pen setup for maximum comfort and cleanliness.
Why Choose Hemp Bedding?
Sustainability:
Hemp is a renewable resource, making it an eco-friendly option for bedding material.
As a renewable resource, hemp presents an environmentally friendly alternative for bedding materials. Its cultivation requires less water and improves soil quality over time without herbicides or pesticides.
Additionally, hemp fabric is thermostatic, keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter, and it’s highly moisture-wicking, which helps to keep the sleeping environment dry and comfortable.
Absorbency:
It is said that hemp bedding absorbs moisture and keeps your coop dry and odor-free.
Durability:
It is likely to be robust, ensuring longevity and reducing the need for frequent bedding changes.
Low Dust:
Hemp produces minimal dust, promoting better respiratory health for your chickens.
No dust, Yay! Now, that would be a bonus!
Pest Resistance:
Hemp’s natural properties are supposed to help repel pests, ensuring a healthier environment for the flock.
This YouTube video shows the product, but this blog is not affiliated. It is for illustration purposes only.
Insulation:
It is touted to provide excellent insulation, keeping your chickens comfortable in varying weather conditions.
Additional Thoughts:
Accessorize:
You could consider adding nesting boxes filled with hemp bedding for egg-laying hens, providing a comfortable and hygienic space for them. I use shell grit, which works very well through the cooler times, and in hotter weather, it’s okay as long as I clean it out regularly (once every six weeks); any longer, and the red mites start making it their home.
I wonder whether Red Mites would like to colonize the Hemp Bedding; what do you think?
Routine Maintenance:
Regularly fluff and turn the bedding to maintain its freshness and absorbency.
Composting:
I like the idea that hemp bedding can be composted after being used to enrich garden soil.
Educational Content:
Another bonus of using hemp bedding is that hemp cultivation requires significantly fewer pesticides and fertilizers than many other crops, making it a more environmentally friendly option. Additionally, hemp plants have deep roots that help prevent soil erosion and improve soil health, making them beneficial for sustainable farming practices.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, hemp bedding could be superior to poultry bedding, offering sustainability, comfort, and cleanliness for chickens. Using hemp bedding in our chicken pens setup could provide a cozy retreat for chickens and contribute to a greener, more sustainable environment.
I want to try this Hemp Bedding and potentially watch my flock thrive in comfort and contentment. Now, all I need to do is track down a supplier that won’t ask for a fortune in gold for the Hemp Bedding.
I would love to hear how you went when you tested Hemp Bedding.
Please let me know! Where did you source yours from?
You may also like this post I wrote about baby chicks
Cheers!