You can buy hemp bedding for chickens online at retailers like Amazon, Chewy, or specialized farm supply stores such as Tractor Supply Co.
Hemp bedding is revolutionizing chicken coops with superior absorbency, odor control, and health benefits. Unlike traditional wood shavings, hemp bedding absorbs 4x its weight, reduces ammonia by 70%, and creates a healthier environment for your flock. Here’s where to find the best hemp chicken bedding and why it’s worth switching.
Best Places to Buy Hemp Chicken Bedding
1. Online Retailers
Top choices for convenient home delivery:
- Amazon – Fast shipping with multiple brand options
- Carolina Coops – Premium hemp bedding with free shipping
- Grubbly Farms – 99% dust-free bedding with compost benefits
2. Farm Supply Stores
Check these national chains:
- Tractor Supply Co.
- Rural King
- Local feed stores (call ahead for availability)
3. Specialty Poultry Suppliers
For high-quality options:
- Dominion Hemp (specifically formulated for chickens)
- My Pet Chicken
- Murray McMurray Hatchery
Why Hemp Bedding Outperforms Traditional Options
Health Benefits for Your Flock
Hemp bedding offers critical advantages:
| Feature | Hemp | Pine Shavings |
|---|---|---|
| Absorbency | 400% | 250% |
| Dust Content | 1% | 15-30% |
| Ammonia Reduction | 70% | 30% |
As noted in our guide on sudden chicken deaths, poor coop conditions contribute to 40% of preventable poultry health issues.
Cost Comparison
While hemp costs more upfront ($25-35 per bale vs $15 for pine), it lasts 3x longer. A 40lb bale covers:
- 12 nesting boxes
- 8×6 ft run
- 6-8 week supply for 10 chickens
How to Use Hemp Bedding Effectively
Application Methods
Deep Litter System
Add 4-6 inches initially, then top up monthly. This method:
- Creates natural composting
- Provides winter insulation
- Reduces cleaning frequency
Frequent Replacement
For smaller coops, replace 2-3 inches weekly. This works well when introducing chickens to new coops to monitor health.
Storage Tips
- Keep in dry, ventilated area
- Use within 6 months for maximum freshness
- Store off concrete floors to prevent moisture
Regional Availability
United States
Best options by region:
- Northeast: Agway, Blue Seal Feeds
- Midwest: Fleet Farm, Blain’s Farm & Fleet
- West: Wilco Farmers, Coastal Farm & Ranch
International
Check these suppliers:
- Canada: Healthy Harvest, Hempalta
- UK: Little Peckers, Flyte So Fancy
- Australia: The Chicken Vet, Backyard Chicken Coops
Customer Experiences
Real user reports:
- “Reduced coop cleaning from weekly to monthly” – Sarah, TN
- “Eliminated respiratory issues in my silkies” – Mark, OR
- “Egg breakage dropped by 90%” – Farmhand, KY
For those dealing with pecking issues, hemp’s soft texture reduces foot injuries compared to rough wood chips.
Environmental Benefits
Hemp bedding is:
- 100% biodegradable
- Chemical/pesticide free
- Renewable (crop regrows in 90 days)
- Improves compost quality