Are shavings bad for chicks?

[zowieyellowflame]

Can I use wood shavings as bedding for my chicks?
Tanya

 

[bryan8]

I use straw and hay, but pine shaveing will work ok.

Make sure you do not use ceder shaveing, they can kill the chicks

~Bryan

 

[Kitsap Cluckers]

Yes, you just shouldn't use cedar shavings. Pine would be fine.

 

[DTchickens]

Cedar is supposed to be bad for chickens, but i believe it depends on "where" you have them.. in a open area it should be fine, it how we had it set up and our's did fine for YEAR'S before i heard cedar is bad for them.

Pine gives off the same aroma that makes chickens sick (and i believe cedar can kill them? but im not sure). just in smaller dosages, i prefer.. Hay, cut grass (Which is pretty much still hay), Leaves, straw, etc.. For my beddings in pens..

 

[zowieyellowflame]

When you say cut grass, do you mean just mow the lawn and use clippings?

 

[kipper]

Our chicks are 20 days old and in 3 brooders. We have used pine shavings since they were 5 days old with no problems for the chicks, no pasty butt or other issues. In fact, they nestled down into the shavings to sleep and appeared quite cozy.

We started with pet store pine shavings (like for hamsters) and found them to be fluffy and soft. DH just brought home a new bag of "white shavings" from the local feed store, and it is cheaper but what a difference! Much coarser in consistency, but I think it will be better for in the hen house. Easier on the wallet, too. I have to change them out every 1-2 days now.

I like the shavings, and the chicks enjoy them. So much in fact, that they kick them in to the water and food. They are getting to be rowdy preteens!

 

[DTchickens]

Quote:
yup, not something i use at all times but occasionally they love it, picking through for the seeds, bugs, or whatever.. etc.

 

[al6517]

Yes pine is fine but no CEDAR!!!! the fumes from the natural oils will kill them.

AL

 

[cmom]

I agree with the other posts. Check out this thread. It is enjoyable informative and lots of examples.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=6233

 

[cochinbantam-lover]

Quote:
How old are preteens?