My Uncle has many pets including Hens and i do believe this idea is going to help him a lot, Thanks Rob :)
The straw bedding helps absorb some of the moisture from the hens but most importantly, the carbon in the straw absorbs that ammonia that comes from their manure.
You are welcome. If he has chicks, then don't use straw, but instead use wood chips. The chicks lungs get plugged up with the dust from the straw and die. The older hens are okay with the dust.
Oh i see this is the case, sure i will let him know all the details Rob :-)