Double R Farms

Still staying really busy on the farm. Got a bunch of projects in the mix. Also added some new products to the things we use.

We owe everyone an apology…

If you’ve been following Double R Farms in Bessemer, Alabama, you may have noticed we haven’t been posting very much lately.

Truth is… we’ve been buried in farm work.

Over the past year the support we’ve received has been overwhelming, and the farm has grown far faster than we ever expected. Between caring for birds, filling orders, and planning the future of the farm, social media has taken a back seat.

But we wanted to give everyone a big update on what’s happening here at the farm.

🚜 Double R Farms is expanding in a big way in 2026.

To keep up with demand, we are:

🏗 Building a brand new barn dedicated entirely to quail
Inside will be large custom-built cages similar to what major quail farms use so we can scale production while keeping birds healthy and productive.

🐦 Expanding our quail breeding program with several exciting varieties including:

• Celadon True Blue Egg Layers
• Egyptian Quail
• White Winged Pharaoh
• German Pharaoh
• Calico
• Additional Pharaoh lines

🐔 We are also expanding production of our chickens to help meet the growing demand for chicks and hatching eggs, especially for two lines that are performing exceptionally well for us:

• American Bresse – incredible growth and egg laying
• Rhode Island Reds – The Donaldson Line

Both lines have been exceeding our expectations, and we’re excited to make more birds available as the farm continues to grow.

None of this would be possible without the support from our customers, friends, and fellow poultry enthusiasts. Every order, message, and conversation has helped push this farm forward.

We promise to start sharing more updates, photos, and progress as the new barn goes up and these new breeding programs come online.

The future is looking very exciting at Double R Farms.

If you’ve bought birds from us, eggs from us, or just enjoy following along with the farm… we truly appreciate you.

Drop a comment and let us know:
What birds are you raising this year?

— Double R Farms
Bessemer, Alabama

Choosing the Best Poultry Bedding: A Practical Comparison of Materials for Performance, Odor Control, and Compost Value

For experienced poultry keepers, selecting the right bedding isn’t just about comfort—it’s a management decision that influences bird health, air quality, and soil-building efforts. The right bedding helps regulate moisture, suppress odor, reduce ammonia, and support composting systems.

In this article, we compare six common bedding materials: pine shavings, chopped straw, sand, h**p, pelletized bedding, and peat moss, based on their moisture control, odor management, and composting potential. Whether you use deep litter, top-dressing, or regular cleanouts, this guide will help you match your bedding choice to your goals.

1. Pine Shavings
Performance:
Widely used for their balance of cost, cushioning, and availability. Moderately absorbent but prone to packing in humid environments.
Odor Control:
Controls odor reasonably well if stirred regularly. Not ideal for enclosed or humid coops without frequent maintenance.
Compost Value:
High-carbon (Carbon to Nitrogen (C:N) ratio ~400:1). Breaks down slowly unless actively managed with nitrogen-rich droppings.
Best For:
Well-ventilated coops or moderate climates with weekly maintenance.

2. Chopped Straw
Performance:
Provides insulation and moderate absorption but mats easily, especially in damp or humid environments.
Odor Control:
Limited. Odors can build quickly without additives or daily turning.
Compost Value:
Breaks down more readily than pine. C:N ratio around 80–100:1 makes it a solid component in balanced compost systems.
Best For:
Deep-litter systems in dry climates or paired with carbon-to-nitrogen balancing inputs.

3. Construction Sand (Washed)
Performance:
Non-absorbent but drains well. Doesn’t compact under birds and helps reduce bumblefoot if kept clean. Can dry out feathering over time.
Odor Control:
Controls odor well when dry but must be scooped often. Wet sand holds ammonia.
Compost Value:
Does not compost. Must be removed and replaced or recycled into non-composting garden areas.
Best For:
Arid climates, covered runs, or minimal-litter systems with daily scooping.

4. H**p Bedding (H**p Shives)
Performance:
Highly absorbent (2–3x its weight), soft, and low-dust when properly processed. Superior moisture regulation in confined coops.
Odor Control:
Excellent ammonia suppression and low odor retention. Requires fewer cleanouts compared to other materials.
Compost Value:
Decomposes quickly with a C:N ratio near 100:1. Pairs well with poultry droppings in hot compost systems.
Best For:
Flocks in enclosed housing, premium setups, or sustainability-focused keepers.

5. Pelletized Bedding (Wood or Paper-Based)
Performance:
Absorbs fast, expands into soft material. Can become dusty or compacted over time if not stirred.
Odor Control:
Controls ammonia well initially but can trap odor if too moist. Works best with frequent turning or refresh.
Compost Value:
Paper pellets compost rapidly; wood-based pellets require more nitrogen. Both improve texture in compost.
Best For:
Brooder pens, temporary bedding layers, or top-ups between cleanouts.

6. Peat Moss
Performance:
Extremely absorbent. Maintains dry surface conditions even in high-moisture areas. Soft and lightweight for foot health.
Odor Control:
Excellent—naturally suppresses ammonia and neutralizes odor. Used in commercial poultry operations for this reason.
Compost Value:
High organic matter and favorable microbial profile. Breaks down quickly and enriches compost.
Best For:
Winter coops, deep-litter systems, or any operation prioritizing compost quality and odor reduction.

How to Choose the Best Bedding for Your Flock
For fast composting and odor control? Choose peat moss or h**p.
For a balance of cost and effectiveness? Pine shavings or chopped straw.
For easy scooping and dry dusting areas? Use sand in dry climates.
For brooders or transition areas? Consider pelletized litter.
For closed-loop compost systems? Peat and h**p provide the best value.

Remember:
No single bedding type is perfect for every poultry keeper. Choosing the right material depends on your climate, coop setup, litter management routine, and composting goals.
For many poultry keepers, peat moss and h**p bedding offer premium results in terms of odor suppression and compost performance. But pine shavings, straw, and pellets still have valuable roles in various setups, especially when cost or availability are limiting factors.
Test combinations, adjust for seasonal needs, and keep detailed records. Your bedding system should evolve along with your flock’s management plan.

For More Information:
Mattocks, Jeff. Niche Poultry: Feeding and Management. 5th ed., The Fertrell Company.
https://www.ams.usda.gov/grades-standards/soil-building-manures-composts
Poultry Extension. (n.d.). Litter material for small and backyard poultry flocks. extension Foundation. Retrieved June 11, 2025, from https://poultry.extension.org/articles/getting-started-with-small-and-backyard-poultry/housing-for-small-and-backyard-poultry-flocks/litter-material-for-small-and-backyard-poultry-flocks/

Please Note
The purpose of this article is to educate and provide valuable information to help poultry keepers enhance their knowledge and skills. This article is not intended to persuade readers to adopt or abandon specific practices but rather to encourage thoughtful consideration of poultry-keeping methods they may not have previously explored. Each flock is unique, and the ultimate decisions about what is best for your birds should be made based on your specific circumstances and goals. These articles support informed decision-making, empowering you to make the best choices for your flock.

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