Miscanthus (elephant grass) as bedding

[Margaid]

Hi all,
Does any one have any experience of using miscanthus as bedding? I was looking at a bale today and wondering if it was any good for hens. I doesn't look soft enough to use in nest boxes but I'll probably get Chick Boxes with roll away floors anyway so won't need it for that.

 

[chrismahon]

Never seen it Margaid but just asking if has sharp edges, as some grasses do? Can see that feature causing foot damage.

 

[VALBURNHAM]

I used it once it was OK had no problems but went back to the aubiose as I preferred this.

 

[foxy]

I used to use a lot of aubiose, then noticed I was coughing a lot, realised that this only happened when I was either cleaning out, or adding aubiose. I have changed now from aubiose and don't have a problem. Will have a look into miscanthus, would be interested to hear from anyone else's experiences.

 

[Marigold]

I know my daughter uses it instead of straw for horse bedding as its much less dusty. Don't know if it would do for poultry but worth a trial bale maybe.

 

[Margaid]

i don't know if it has sharp edges Chris as I couldn't really open a bale to look. Maybe Marigold could ask her daughter? I've been looking at shredded cardboard but can't get it at a reasonable price without buying enough fo about 12 months - and then I need space to store it. I have asthmas and hay fever so I want to avoid anything that creates dust when I'm cleaning out and putting down clean bedding. Thanks for all the replies so far.

 

[foxy]

Well I am going to contact them and see if they will let me trial a bale or two perhaps? I have read some interesting feedback, and the quality seem to depend on their harvesting and shredding system which gives the bedding its softness.

 

[Stapfam]

I have miscanthus in the garden and it is as tough as any plant foliage can be. Sharp edges but It does vary from variety . One I have is quite low and no problem. Foliage is tough and the grandchildren do not worry about it. Another is taller- has very tough foliage that can cut as you walk past and the end of the foliage is like a needle. This is the one that is by the path but is kept as it is a wonderfull plant but the kids don't go near it.