Important considerations when selecting bedding material are cost, availability, ability to adsorb and release moisture, and impacts to meat chicken production and health. Another consideration is that the material has a useful purpose after its use as litter. This reduces costs and ensures that spent litter does not accumulate to unmanageable levels on-farm – see Figure 2. Litter must provide a warm and soft surface for the comfort of the chickens while also protecting and insulating them.

Properties of common bedding materials used in Australia are shown in Table 2 (Properties of common bedding materials).

Basic requirements of bedding material are good adsorption ability, fast drying time, competitive cost, availability and safety for chickens and workers.