Hello, fellow chicken keepers! I’m Nikki of Purely Chickens. I have been working to create the perfect coop environment for years. Luckily, Eaton Pet and Pasture has made the process so easy that it makes me want more chickens (56 just isn’t enough). Let me show you the products I use to streamline my chicken keeping, making my life easier while ensuring my flock lives happier and healthier!
Hemp Bedding
There are so many bedding options on the market. When it comes to the inside of the coop and the brooder, I have tried pine shavings, straw, sand, wood chips, puppy pads, and shredded paper. Nothing works as well as Eaton Pet and Pasture Hemp Bedding. I can say this confidently because I have tested about ten different hemp beddings on the market.
The magic of hemp lies in its absorbency. None of the other products work like hemp. When chickens poop on the hemp, it absorbs moisture and keeps things dry. It helps control bacteria and ammonia, keeping the brooder and coop fresh. My chickens are healthier, and I no longer see coccidiosis in the brooders or respiratory distress within the flock. Plus, I save money using hemp! I use a shelf in my coop, but you can also use the deep litter method. Either way, the hemp doesn’t need to be replaced as often. Here are a few other reasons hemp is superior:
- It is one of the most sustainable crops on the planet. Unlike other options, trees do not have to be cut down. Eaton hemp is grown in the USA, supporting farmer-owned businesses.
- Straw, the wrong type of sand, and hay can cause impacted chicken crops—a life-threatening issue. Fortunately, hemp does not pose this risk!
- It provides a soft landing when chickens jump off the roosts.
- It is virtually dust-free and helps control ammonia buildup, leading to healthier respiratory systems.
- Eaton hemp is free of pesticides and herbicides!
To use hemp bedding, I start with a cleaned-out coop, apply a thin layer of Revitalime, and then add fresh hemp bedding on top. If you have a shelf, you can simply sift it to keep it clean as needed. With this method, I only do a full coop cleanout twice a year. If you use the deep litter method, just add fresh hemp bedding to the soiled bedding and give it a good turn.
Roost Refresh
This product is near and dear to my heart (and not just because my face is on the bag). I have used a sh!t shelf in my coop for years. During this time, I searched for the perfect substance to use on the shelf. When Eaton Pet and Pasture asked to collaborate, I knew exactly what product I wanted to explore.
"I NEED something perfect for my shelf!" I told them. We spent months testing different products, and Roost Refresh was born when we realized we could use hemp fines created during hemp bedding production. It absorbs moisture perfectly, and we added herbs and florals for a pleasant aroma and additional health benefits for both chickens and keepers!
To use Roost Refresh:
- Scrape off the shelf in the morning and toss the droppings in the compost. Add a light dusting of Roost Refresh to absorb moisture, deter flies, and prepare for the next night. In winter, I do this less frequently since flies aren’t an issue.
- Add Roost Refresh to brooder bedding, nest boxes, and coop bedding for extra freshness.
- In my bantam coop, I use Roost Refresh as the only bedding, and I love how fresh it smells!
Revitalime
Revitalime is a new product that Eaton co-branded with me! I have used lime in my chicken coop for years, but this is completely different! It is composed of calcite, citric acid, peppermint, and thyme, making it the ultimate way to freshen your flock’s area while keeping pests like mites, lice, fleas, flies, and rodents away.
When creating Revitalime, the most important step was ensuring that every ingredient was third-party tested for purity and safety. You won’t find anything safer than Revitalime. A few times a month, I sprinkle it on the coop floor, in nest boxes, in the run, around the perimeter of the coop, near food and water, and anywhere moisture is an issue. It controls moisture, odor, and pests. Consistency is key, so I recommend adding it to your monthly order. It smells great, works effectively, and is easy to use!
Pro Tip: Try it around your garden beds, too—pests will never see it coming!
Aspen Nest Pads
Keeping bedding in the nest boxes was always a struggle until I discovered Eaton Pet and Pasture Aspen Nest Pads! These pads are crafted in the USA from 100% sustainably harvested aspen Excelsior, which makes my heart happy as a conscious consumer.
What I love most about nest pads is that I only have to replace them when they get dirty. The chickens love adjusting them, but the kraft paper on the bottom keeps them together. If they do get dirty, simply shake them out and put them back, or replace them with a clean nest pad. They last for weeks!
I use aspen nest pads in my nest boxes and only replace them as needed—which isn’t very often!
Pro Tip: Don’t let your chickens sleep in the nesting box to ensure clean eggs and nest pads!
Nesting Herbs
Eaton’s nesting herbs pair perfectly with aspen nest pads! They smell amazing and create a relaxing environment for laying hens. These herbs are vibrant and fresh! I add a sprinkle every time I change out the nest pads. Nesting herbs are especially beneficial for encouraging new layers to explore their nest boxes and lay eggs in the correct spot.
Premium Grubs
I never let my flock run out of Eaton Pet and Pasture grubs! These are the plumpest grubs I have tried, and they come whole—not crushed into dust! My chickens have memorized the bag and definitely know when it’s treat time.
The grubs are sustainably grown on pesticide-free, pre-consumer waste, helping to keep this waste out of landfills.
I feed my flock a few handfuls of grubs every day. It’s a great way to keep them entertained! Try using them in a treat dispenser or scattering them around the coop to encourage natural foraging.
Henhouse Hemp
Henhouse Hemp is a fun treat that Eaton introduced last year! It is a fantastic source of protein, vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and minerals. It supports immune health, feather growth, and egg production. Plus, the omega-3s get transferred to their eggs—a great benefit for you! As a bonus, Hen House Hemp helps chickens produce those beautifully golden yolks.
Pro Tip: Add hemp to fermented feed or homemade treat blocks for an extra nutritional boost!