Alternitive Litters...

[HiyokoInNippon]

So, I have a generous veranda (for Japan) that is big enough to house a few chickens to slaughter age. I was thinking about litter (and am probably just going to get hamster litter or something of the like) and was wondering if anyone had tried/ had thoughts about coffee grounds or pencil shavings?

I should mention that their entire run will be tarped and probably have some covering. Yea, I know is is a shitty home for chickens. I am not overly excited about it but I would be giving them better care then they would get anywhere else in Japan. No cage, no concrete.

 

[Ravynscroft]

Hmmm... I think coffee grounds mold easy if they get damp? So that probably wouldn't work well... and I think most pencils are made with very aromatic wood (either cedar or something similar) and those are very bad for chickens... they have sensitive respiratory systems so that does need to be a factor in your considerations...
Pine shavings woukd be best, but not sure if you have access to that?? Otherwise, I don't know what to recommend as I don't know what you have available...
Hope this helps though, and good luck!

 

[Folly's place]

Coffee grounds are toxic; bad idea! Are there stables or farms nearby? Find out what they use and where it's purchased. Pine shavings work great, better than straw, but something available and non-toxic is the answer. Mary

 

[HiyokoInNippon]

Thanks! I was honestly just curious more than anything else. I know where I am getting my litter though I am a bit shaky on what it is made of. Can't read the dang package. I know it is not one of the aromatic woods though ^^