I use leaves and grass as well. I have a rabbit manure that I throw on my beds all winter. I do compost for other reasons besides the gardens.

I have used used horse bedding before, but I wait over 1 full year before it goes onto the gardens. This may be too long, but I feel more comfortable with a longer 'down-time'. I know you must have a minimum of 6 months between the harvesting and the 'pooping' part, more so with greens. This is with horse/cow, but chicken is even hotter, so I have left the chicken away from any edible gardens for 1 yr before I place on garden and then wait thru winter again.

Marla