Bedding for coop

[Ccort]

I currently use pine shavings but I've read that they cause respiratory issues for chickens. But I'm not sure what else to use?
What do you use? I can't use "yard stuff" as I simply don't have it. I e. Dried leaves and such
Aspen seems pretty expensive but safe?

 

[Penpal]

I have used straw. Oat straw is softer Than wheat straw, other than that I don't know if one is better than the other. It is very observant and the chickens will pick out the seeds that have been left behind.

 

[DobieLover]

I currently use pine shavings but I've read that they cause respiratory issues for chickens. But I'm not sure what else to use?
What do you use? I can't use "yard stuff" as I simply don't have it. I e. Dried leaves and such
Aspen seems pretty expensive but safe?

I've been using pine shavings for over 6 years without issue. As long as your coop has proper ventilation, I don't see any problem with them.

 

[FrostRanger]

I use pine as well. If it's working well, I wouldn't switch it

 

[aart]

I've been using pine shavings for over 6 years without issue. As long as your coop has proper ventilation, I don't see any problem with them.

Ditto Dat.
Been using them here for 10+ years

 

[HollowOfWisps]

Anything with small enough particle size and right conditions can cause respiratory issues. Saying you shouldn’t use pine because of respiratory issues is kind of like saying that you shouldn’t give your chickens water because with too much water they might drown. Everything I have seen on pine being “bad” are either blogs running amuck or an “article” going on about pine sawdust which is much much smaller than shaving. Keep your coop well ventilated and you should not have a problem.

 

[Chicken Heel]

I have always used pine shavings with my chickens with no ill effects. I will state that I am using Pitt Moss (recycled paper) with my 13 turkey poults (4 1/2 weeks old) and have been impressed with the product. There has been little to no odor and it stays super dry. I just stir it up once a day and add more as needed. It is not cheap though.

 

[igorsMistress]

I’ve used pune shavings and straw. No issues.

 

[EmmaDonovan]

We use large flake pine shavings. No problems so far.

 

[aart]

Anything with small enough particle size and right conditions can cause respiratory issues.

Probably due to the 'odor' rather than particulates.
Pine off gassing is not as bad as aromatic cedar but still causes some concerns according to some.
That's the warnings I've seen.
Comes back up once in a awhile for some hot debate.