Are wood shavings supposed to be damp?

[AmyBella]

Right out of the bag, I mean. I have been buying shavings at the pet store and they are bone-dry. I finally bought a bag at the feed store... almost ten times as much for the same price - Yea! Anyway, I was surprised when I reached in and they felt damp. Is that OK? Maybe they are moistened to cut down on dust?

 

[SarahFair]

Has it rained? Were they outside?

 

[ColoradoMike]

I would think that no, they should not be damp. I'd be concerned about mold/mildew in the bedding if the shavings were damp and sealed up in a plastic package... The shavings I get from the feed store are dry...

 

[Sissy]

I get mine at TSC and they some times feel
a little damp. but not wet,by the time I dump them they feel ok.
it could be from being packed in the plastic bag.

 

[HorseFeatherz NV]

Depending upon how fresh the shavings are, they might feel slightly damp when first opened. You are talking about the large compressed bales - correct?

If you are worried about it, you can put a light layer on a cookie sheet to air dry before use.

Take a handful and smell it. Does it smell piney fresh or musty/moldy?

 

[fhdogs]

They should not be wet at all. I have gotten bags that sat in the back of my truck in the sun and saw very little condensation in the big, but I'd be concerned if they are actually wet. I'd check the bag for any holes, and try to bring them back if you can. I'd be concerned about mold on them.

 

[AmyBella]

Thanks everyone! Yes, it is one of the big compressed bales. There are no obvious holes or tears in the plastic bag. The sealed bag has been outside on a covered porch for the last week. It smells very fresh and piney... I have a feeling that the dampness will dissapate now that the bag is open. I'll keep a close eye (and nose!) on it, though!

 

[silkiechicken]

Wet, no, but slightly damp, perhaps oily and very piney, happens here sometimes. My guess is that they were not quite fully dried when packed up and are "fresher" than the pet store ones since the oils haven't all left the wood yet.

 

[Laurie's Silkies]

There probably not kiln dried shavings.

 

[Uppity Peon]

If you have a dry shed or something with the space I would leave the bag open to dry out.