Straw or not?

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elmdene

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Can someone advise - is it ok to use straw now that it's getting warmer? I was advised to put some down in the covered part of my run when it was cold and particularly when it snowed and they (my 4 pekins) absolutely loved it, but was told not to use it after winter because it harbours crawlies. The thing is, when it's raining, like it is now, they all go upstairs (they have an ark - I only use woodshavings inside there) and I feel they should be 'out of bed' and downstairs getting some fresh air. I know if I put some straw at the end of their run they'd be in there but I don't want to encourage any pests or disease. I move them around the garden every 5-7 days so it would be changed then. Can I spoil them?!
 
imho there is no reason not to treat them intermitantly. Parasites build up when something is left for a while ... in the case of Red mite it seems like only a few days in the right circumbstance. A bit of straw when you want to spoil them briefly (or frequent straw change) shouldn't be an issue.

Besides, it is said that Barley straw has antiseptic properties ... :-)05 Hmm ... I suppose I aught to check that on google ... lol ... Old wives tales don't hold the same credability they used too :-)09

JMHO (Disclaimer) :mrgreen:
 
Hi, I use straw all the time, including in the coop. I don't change it every week either just take the bad bits. I have not had any problems with any parasites although a while back had some red mite but after treatment have not had any since and that was nearly two months ago now. I have a big coop so it's more cost effective using straw than wood shavings. Hope this helps x
 
I use straw, and have never had any problems. I am careful where it comes from, nice, clean and dry straw should be OK, just keep an eye out for the usual suspects and don't let it get damp :)
 
I use straw too as we found it was cheaper to use and cleaner as well because all the dirty bits can be raked out each week. Also if we get a week of rain it can be completely removed and nice clean dry stuff put in.
 
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