Bedding

[dawnpel]

Does anyone know if you can use pine needles for bedding? I have alot of pine trees in my back yard and theres lots of needles on the ground.

 

[curious chickee]

I would use it as an under layer with maybe pine shavings on top.

 

[sonjab314]

I use pine shavings in the brooder and straw in the coop. Id be afraid that the pine needles would poke their little feet and wouldt really absorb their poo very well

 

[tsmith91]

I agree I don't think pine needles would be very absorbant

 

[donrae]

In a brooder, not so much. As part of deep litter in the coop, yes.

 

[dawnpel]

I decided to stick with pine shavings. They are working out fine so why change it.

 

[Peep-Chicken]

I decided to stick with pine shavings. They are working out fine so why change it.

Pine shavings are good! I always use them.

 

[SCOdoubleT]

I am using pine shavings in the brooder, because they are absorbent.
I also have an unlimited, free supply of pine straw, so I will use that in the nesting box and run.

As for worrying about poking their little chicken feet, don't worry.
Our 4 & 6 year old sons run barefoot through the lawn covered in pine straw all the time.