The first two weeks of a newborn chick’s life are the most crucial for their survival. And if chicks don’t have a warm, safe, and healthy environment, growth and long-term health can quickly go out the window. Luckily, there are choices you can make that will set your chicks up for success in their first two weeks, and as adult birds.
And that starts with what bedding you put in their brooder, because not all animal bedding is created equal. Here are 5 reasons hemp animal bedding is the best bedding to be using in your chick brooders.
Unlike wood shavings or straw, hemp animal bedding absorbs up to 4x its weight in moisture, preventing damp conditions that cause bacteria growth and coccidiosis. If your chicks stay dry, their risk for catching and spreading disease decreases drastically.
Hemp’s high absorbency also helps to minimize odors, especially in brooders. Instead of having to constantly change bedding or do full cleans, the brooder will stay fresher longer while maintaining the healthy environment needed for chicks to survive.
Brooder temperatures in the first two weeks of life should be between 90-95 degrees Fahrenheit. Because wood shavings aren’t naturally insulative, heat is more frequently let out through the floor and sides of your brooder. Making it harder to consistently stay at the needed temperature.
Hemp’s natural thermal properties help lock in heat and maintain stable temperatures in your brooder. Consistent temperatures ensure your chicks stay warm so they can not only survive but also grow.
Hemp animal bedding is also chemical free and naturally soft making it ideal for newborn chicks in their first few weeks. And even as they grow into adult birds, hemp bedding is easy and comfortable on feet, and perfect for laying hens.
While hemp bedding is absorbent, safe, and soft, it's still recommended to take extra caution with brand-new chicks. In their first 1-3 days of life, chicks are still learning what's food and may peck at bedding. Be sure to closely monitor and care for them until they're comfortable in their new environment.
Hemp animal bedding is virtually dust-free which helps prevent respiratory issues commonly found in chicks who were raised in dusty, synthetic pine shavings. Cleaner chicks and a cleaner brooder will only contribute to cleaner air overall, creating a better environment for you and for them!
Wood shavings may be cheap but cheap doesn’t always mean quality. Hemp animal bedding lasts longer than shavings and requires fewer full cleanouts because of its absorbency. And even when they’re adult birds, you’ll be able to avoid constant cleaning and know that they are dry and healthy.
“I love this stuff! It keeps my coop dry, it’s easy to clean, it’s soft on their feet and I think my chickens like it too. The price is worth it because it “evens” out because of its longevity. It really keeps the dust down, which is a big deal too!” – Joanna D.
Our Green Fox Hemp Animal Bedding is sustainably grown on our Minnesota family farm, Rookie Farmers. It’s naturally biodegradable, making for easy and eco-friendly disposal once done. Hemp bedding also breaks down faster than shavings, making it perfect for high-quality compost.
You shouldn’t have to second guess that something is safe, especially when that something is the bedding your newborn animals are in every day. By switching to hemp animal bedding, you’re reducing the risk of health issues in your chicks and promoting a healthier brooder environment for them to grow in.
If you’re ready to say goodbye to dust, smells, and disease-ridden chicks, Hemp animal bedding is the choice for your brooder.