@aart : Thanks for the compost tip, I do compost and hadn't thought of that.
@chiknhurder : That is what I presumed about the absorbency, thanks for the confirmation.
@Nambroth : I really appreciate you responding, I'll definitely stay away from the hardwood.
I've always used pine shavings and really like them. I need to buy more and "hardwood" shavings are on sale cheaper than the pine. I'm just wondering if anyone knows if they are better than pine and okay for chickens?