Last updated: July 2026 • Reviewed by The Coop Score team
Pine shavings offer the best odor control for the price. Sand is the lowest-cost option over time despite a higher upfront cost, since it lasts far longer than absorbent beddings before needing full replacement.
Bedding Comparison
| Bedding | Odor Control | Approx. Cost/Month | Best Climate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pine shavings | Good — absorbs moisture and odor well | $15-25 (small flock) | All climates |
| Straw | Fair — less absorbent than shavings | $10-20 (small flock) | Cold climates (extra insulation) |
| Sand | Very good — dries fast, doesn’t hold odor | $5-10 amortized over its lifespan | Hot, humid climates |
| Hemp bedding | Excellent — highly absorbent, low dust | $25-40 (small flock) | All climates; best for dust-sensitive keepers |
Odor Control
Hemp bedding controls odor best of the four, thanks to superior absorbency, followed closely by pine shavings. Sand doesn’t absorb moisture the way organic beddings do, but its odor control is strong because it dries quickly and droppings can be sifted out easily, similar to a litter box. Straw is the least absorbent of the group and needs more frequent refreshing to control smell.
Cost Per Month
Straw and pine shavings have the lowest upfront cost but need regular replacing. Sand costs more upfront but can last a year or more with regular sifting, making it the cheapest option when amortized over time. Hemp bedding costs the most per bag but its superior absorbency means you need less volume, partially offsetting the higher price.
Our Pick by Climate
- Cold climates: straw or pine shavings, both of which work well with the deep litter method for added winter warmth.
- Hot, humid climates: sand, since it doesn’t retain moisture the way organic bedding can in humid conditions.
- Dust-sensitive keepers or birds: hemp bedding, which produces significantly less airborne dust than pine shavings.
Planning to use bedding with the deep litter method? Pine shavings and straw both compost well in place; sand does not compost and isn’t suited to deep litter.