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In May 2023, we made the exciting decision to introduce chickens to our small backyard. We dedicated months to researching the best bedding options for the coop. Our goal was to find a solution that would effectively reduce odors, be cost-efficient, and promote sustainability. Throughout our research, we discovered various materials such as wood shavings, hemp, the deep litter method, and many more.
While researching all these options, we came across a company that sold coffee grounds bedding and the benefits almost matched what we were searching for. However, they didn't deliver to New England, and it wasn't as cost-effective as I was hoping for. After many weeks of reading about coffee grounds bedding, we decided to give the coffee grounds a chance at a new life! We have solely used coffee grounds for a year, and we are still very happy with it.
There are so many reasons why we love our coffee grounds bedding. First and foremost, it is FREE! You can walk to pretty much any local coffee shop, and they will be happy to give bags filled with their leftover coffee grounds. Second, my backyard smells like breakfast! The coffee smell will disappear with time, but I always have a spare bag that we can sprinkle in to refresh the coop. It is also an awesome pest control when combined with our favorite insect repellent. Used coffee grounds get a second chance at life and even a third if you decide to compost them. They work perfectly for scooping, much like cat litter, allowing us to easily clean up most of the droppings in the coop every other week.
One of the controversies surrounding coffee grounds is whether they are safe for chickens and if they will actually eat them. In my experience, chickens do not eat the used coffee grounds inside of their coop, so toxicity has not been a concern of ours.
Check out the simple steps for making your own coffee ground bedding below!
Run to your favorite local coffee store and ask them for their left over coffee grounds.
Lay a tarp in your yard on a pretty hot day and dump the bags of coffee on the tarp. (You may need to do this a few times depending on the size coop and tarp you have.)
Once the coffee is dumped on the tarp, use the back of a garden rake to spread the coffee and break all the lumps. Spread as thinly as possible to speed up the drying process.
Turn the coffee over with the garden rake every hour or two and continue to break up clumps.
The secret of this bedding is to make sure the coffee grounds are SUPER dry to avoid any mold. You may need to bring the coffee in overnight and repeat the process an additional day depending on how warm and sunny it is the first day.
It’s time to add some bedding to your coop! You can either use just coffee grounds and scoop the poop every few days, or you can sprinkle some coffee grounds to your favorite bedding to help aid with odor control. It’s up to you!
In general, utilizing coffee grounds as bedding for chicken coops not only fulfills the essential needs but also provides benefits such as cost-effectiveness, odor and pest management, and sustainability.
What type of chicken bedding do you have in your coop? If you try this chicken bedding and love it, we would love if you tag us on Instagram @islandcustomcoops.
FAQ
Can the chickens' feathers and feet be stained by the coffee grounds?
Coffee grounds will not stain the chicken feathers and feet. When properly dried before adding to the coop, there should be no issues whatsoever.
Where can I get free used coffee grounds?
Will the coffee grounds help with pest control?
Is coffee grounds toxic for chickens?
How often do you change the coffee grounds bedding?
Is mold an issue with coffee grounds bedding?
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Disclaimer: It is important to note that the selection of coop bedding and management practices is a subjective decision influenced by individual preferences. While coffee may be effective for some, it may not be the most suitable choice for everyone.
Can’t wait to see the YouTube video when it’s posted!