BEDDING BLUES

[upgrem]

Have been using wood chips from a local saw mill, (hardwood) The fine wood dust has covered the entire barn. (can't be healthy for the chickens) Are pine shavings less dusty? Would straw be a better choice?

 

[countrygirl4513]

Straw is a good choice. There are many opinions to what to use. But that is what I have presently in with my 9 wk olds.

 

[silkiechicken]

I use straw and pine shavings with my pets. I find that chicks though, produce enormous amounts of dust regardless of the type of bedding they are on. Doesn't take many to cover the entire house in chick fluff. Maybe your bedding is ok and its just the birds? I haven't used your type of litter so maybe it is the wood. Just a thought.

 

[quiltymare]

All chickens are really dusty. It's amazing how much dander and dust they generate. My seramas are currently all on wire cage floors and there is still a ton of dust everywhere!

Outdoors in the coop I have pine shavings that I get by the bale at WalMart and it works great. I only use straw in the nest boxes because if eaten, can get clogged up in their croups and kill them. It is also more prone to mold if damp and doesn't absorb as well. Some worry about the dust from shavings but I have not experienced much of a problem with it. When it gets really dry out (weather) I mist the coop which helps but personally, for cleanliness and ease of use, shavings are my choice.