Bedding

[llcardinale]

Hi All,
Does anyone have experience using Straw Boss pelletized straw, heat treated and dust extracted bedding? I've been using Aspen shavings, but I have a couple chicks who are sneezing, and although it's suppose to be low dust, it's rather dusty. I've read that dust extracted straw tends to be good for animals who have sensitive respiratory systems. Any feedback is much appreciated.

 

[FarmerGirl101]

Depending on how small the pellets are I would be worried they may try and eat it. You can test it out and see if they are eating it or not via monitoring them. Regarding the shavings, I've found the finer flakes are dustier than the regular flakes in case that is what you are using.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Where are the chicks being brooded and how much ventilation is in the brooder? I do use aspen shavings in the brooder but if there's any dust it's mitigated by having a lot of ventilation.

 

[llcardinale]

Where are the chicks being brooded and how much ventilation is in the brooder? I do use aspen shavings in the brooder but if there's any dust it's mitigated by having a lot of ventilation.

 

[llcardinale]

Thank you for your response. Chicks are in a 400 sq. ft. building with front and back windows, two ventilation fans and a whole house hepa filter air purifier, but I'm thinking it's still effecting the two chicks because they're right smack in the stuff. The only Aspen shavings I've found are for small pets. I've not seen any other type available in the U.S.

 

[llcardinale]

Depending on how small the pellets are I would be worried they may try and eat it. You can test it out and see if they are eating it or not via monitoring them. Regarding the shavings, I've found the finer flakes are dustier than the regular flakes in case that is what you are using.

Thank you for your response. I've only found Aspen flakes for small animals. If you have a recommendation for a brand that has larger flakes I'd appreciate the name. So far it seems that these chicks eat both the Aspen shavings and the pellets, though much less so now that they're a month old. At first they ate the Aspen as if it were candy.

 

[FarmerGirl101]

Thank you for your response. I've only found Aspen flakes for small animals. If you have a recommendation for a brand that has larger flakes I'd appreciate the name. So far it seems that these chicks eat both the Aspen shavings and the pellets, though much less so now that they're a month old. At first they ate the Aspen as if it were candy.

I just use the ones from Tractor Supply. Look for ones that are larger flakes. Seems like shavings geared towards livestock is that shaving size.

 

[llcardinale]

Thank you