Benefits of using hemp bedding for chickens (poultry). Dutch study results, and featured video: History and benefits of American Hemp (and Chicken Coops).
Chicken (Poultry) bedding should maintain a dry environment, absorb ammonia, promote foot pad health, well-being, and growth, reduce chances for disease be free of salmonella and campylobacter, and be economical. In the Netherlands during 2010-20111 15.6% of broiler hen producers changed their bedding to hemp litter made from woody shives from the innermost part of the hemp stem, after the firbers are separated it sits at the tip of the stem. The hemp was choppped to a size of 0.5 to 2cm. This bedding was traditionally used for horses. Bodil Pallesen who sells and uses hemp bedding says when hemp was used sprinkled with woodshavings, it was less bulky, is lower in density than traditional beddings, less dust in the air, absorbs moisture, as effectivily, if not better than traditional wood shavings,reduces ammonia emission from feces and in the horse stable has considerble less manure when mucked out. As a result, it was observed that poultry and horses had less incidence of skin infections (including dermatitis), litter was completely free of salmonella and cambylobacter when litter is changed every 4-6 weeks. Three major chicken producers in Holland have confirmed that hemp bedding is tough in use, keeps indoor air in coops and stables dryer, there is less skin damage, fewer injuries to foot pads, and had no incidence of salmonella and cambylobacter. (Pallesen, 2011)
References:
- Pallesen, Bodil E. Senior Consultant, AgroTech Denmark. (September 21, 2011). http://www.hemp-technologies.com/resources/Animal-Bedding/Chicken-litter-Denmark-Draft-Translation.pdf
- Video:History and Benefits of American Hemp and Chicken Coops. (Sep. 1, 2015). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzIQmZHHhNE