using straw for deep litter

[cowman]

i`m using sand at the moment as sand is non organic and no bacteria can grow in it so better for the birds if i was to use a straw based product with hemp straw being in short supply i would use rape straw using it on the farm for bedding cows and chickens it stays dryer longer and allows air between it to dry it unlike wheat or barley straw that when it gets damp it compacks on the floor .

[pdordin]

i like that method,chairman.put straw in yesterday,put a good dose of van hees mite stuff on the straw,came home tonight pitch black,all the birds were laid on it.they were like pigs in muck.so they must be happy,which is good.