Best Hemp Bedding for Chickens UK (2026)
This guide contains affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Find out more.
Hemp bedding has become a favourite with UK hen keepers, and for good reason. It soaks up moisture and droppings far better than straw, it’s low in dust, and it keeps smells down — which makes a real difference in a damp British winter. In this guide we look at the best hemp bedding you can buy in the UK, how it compares with straw and shavings, and how to get the most out of each bag.
Our top picks
1. AubiChick Hemp Bedding (20kg) — best for chickens
Aubiose’s version made specifically for poultry, and one of the best-rated chicken beddings on Amazon UK. It’s chopped hemp core (the woody inner part of the hemp stalk), processed to be low in dust and highly absorbent.
- 20kg bag
- 100% natural and pesticide-free
- Absorbs moisture and helps control smells
- Compostable
What we like: Excellent absorbency means fewer full clean-outs, and the fine texture works well in slide-out droppings trays.
Worth knowing: Costs more per bag than straw, although it lasts considerably longer.
2. Aubiose Hemp Bedding — best value bulk bale
Aubiose’s original hemp bedding, sold for horses but also suitable for hens and rabbits. It’s popular with keepers who have a walk-in coop or several houses and want to buy in bulk.
- Highly absorbent, dust-extracted hemp
- Suitable for horses, hens and rabbits
- Hundreds of reviews on Amazon UK
What we like: Often better value per litre than smaller poultry packs.
Worth knowing: Check the bag size on the listing, as it varies, and make sure you have somewhere dry to store a large bale.
Why hemp works so well in a chicken coop
Chicken droppings are wet, and a coop’s biggest enemy is damp. Wet bedding produces ammonia, which irritates hens’ respiratory systems, makes the coop smell and encourages bacteria and fungal problems. Hemp core is very absorbent — it soaks up moisture quickly and dries out again — so the surface of the bedding stays drier for longer than straw, which tends to mat down and hold wet patches.
Hemp is also low in dust compared with many cheap shavings, which matters because dust can contribute to respiratory problems in poultry. And because it breaks down well, used hemp makes excellent compost for the garden.
Hemp vs straw vs shavings
| Hemp | Straw | Wood shavings | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Absorbency | Excellent | Fair | Good |
| Dust | Very low | Low if dust-extracted | Varies — choose dust-extracted |
| Smell control | Very good | Fair | Good |
| Warmth | Good | Very good | Good |
| Composting | Breaks down well | Breaks down well | Slower |
| Cost per bag | Higher | Lower | Low to medium |
Many keepers use hemp on the coop floor and droppings tray, and chopped straw in the nest boxes, where hens like something they can shape into a nest. Avoid hay as bedding — it holds moisture and can harbour mould spores. See our full chicken bedding guide for more options.
How much hemp bedding do you need?
A layer of around 5–10cm on the coop floor is typical. In a small coop for three hens, a 20kg bag can last several weeks if you remove droppings regularly. Larger walk-in coops, or keepers using the deep litter method, will use more initially but top up less often.
How to use hemp bedding
- Start with a clean, dry coop and spread a layer around 5–10cm deep.
- Remove droppings from under the perches every few days with a small rake or scoop — this is where most of the mess collects.
- Top up as needed rather than replacing everything.
- Do a full clean-out every few weeks, or when the bedding looks damp or smells.
- Check for red mite at the same time, especially around perch ends — see how to get rid of red mite.
- Add used bedding to the compost heap — it breaks down well and enriches the soil.
Storing hemp bedding
Keep bags somewhere dry and off the ground, such as a shed or garage. Damp bedding loses its absorbency and can go mouldy. If rats are a problem in your area, store bales where they can’t be chewed into.
Frequently asked questions
Is hemp bedding safe for chickens?
Yes. Hemp bedding is made from the woody core of the industrial hemp plant. It contains no meaningful levels of the compounds associated with cannabis, and it’s widely used for poultry, horses and small pets in the UK.
Can I use hemp bedding in nest boxes?
You can, though many keepers prefer straw in nest boxes because hens like to shape it into a nest. Either works.
Is hemp better than straw in winter?
For the coop floor, usually yes — it stays drier, which matters more than warmth. Straw has the edge in nest boxes and for extra insulation.
Can I compost used hemp bedding?
Yes. Mixed with chicken manure it makes a rich compost. Let it rot down for several months before using it around plants.
The verdict
If you want a drier, cleaner, less smelly coop through a British winter, hemp bedding is one of the best upgrades you can make. AubiChick is the easiest choice for most backyard flocks, while Aubiose bulk bales suit larger coops and keepers who buy in quantity.
Prices, ratings and specifications were checked on Amazon UK in October 2026 and may have changed since. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
