Aspen bedding???

[GoldenHarp]

Any info out there on using Aspen shavings for bedding? Reaso I ask I just had a 4 week old chick die today and my other five chicks don't look well. Kind of stumbling around...

 

[tamelroy]

Most Byc's use it from these threads, the first one wasn't too sure if something caused illness in her chicks. Hope this helps.


https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=2111994

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=2660303

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=3748794

 

[chickerdoodle]

Aspen shavings are supposedly better for young chicks as it has no scent oils. In the book City Chicks by P. Foreman she says to only use aspen (good book by the way) as the others can be toxic--including pine although cedar oils can actually kill chicks.

I am getting aspen for my chicks but once they are old enough to start going outdoors I will mix in some pine (to get them used to it) until the aspen is used up. Adult chickens that have a well ventilated hen-house should be just fine with pine shavings. Brooders just don't have as much ventilation near the floor where the little chicks are and their respiratory systems are more sensitive at this young stage. I will say most people use pine as its more readily available and not many have problems. I do think that it would be good to air out the pine shavings prior to using it for brooders if that's what you chose.

Oh! and

 

[GoldenHarp]

Thank you for your posts. I found them very helpful. Most seem to agree that Aspen is OK, with only a couple of possible negative experiences. So, I am not 100% sure what has happened to my flock. I did change out the bedding to a pine. Will wait and see what happens. The others still appear weak and lethargic. They are not sure on their feet and sometimes shake their heads wildly. Perhaps a virus??? Poop seems normal. They are eating and drinking. Purina medicated Start&Grow and were vaccinated. Plenty of room in their 8 foot indoor pen. Brooder lamp to keep warm. What an adventure it has been...

 

[chickerdoodle]

I think you are looking at an illness that is not from the bedding. Head shaking is a clue. Can you hear them breathing? Normal breathing is not loud or raspy. Any discharge in nose or eyes? You may wish to post under a different title about chick illness and not bedding to get more help.