Broader Bedding

[PonyRaindrop]

So we will be getting chicks in a few weeks, and I have a question about the bedding. We have LOTS of eastern white pines, and they "shed" needles ALOT. The needles are dead, and there is probably 6 inches under each of the trees. So I was wondering if I could use pine needles as bedding. The pine needles are as bendable as a rubber band, and aren't sharp at the edges. They don't have much of a smell, and it would save me money to use them.

Thanks! -PonyR

 

[newwestchick]

I think that would be great - pine shavings are acceptable so why not needles? I've used straw, shavings, leaves, dirt, and doggy pee pads in brooders

 

[Jensownzoo]

The only issue I can think of is pine sap getting on feathers from the portion of the needle that attached to the tree.

 

[PonyRaindrop]

The only issue I can think of is pine sap getting on feathers from the portion of the needle that attached to the tree.

Yeah good point. I will have to go look at the ones that recently fell before I use them. Thank you!

 

[PonyRaindrop]

I think that would be great - pine shavings are acceptable so why not needles? I've used straw, shavings, leaves, dirt, and doggy pee pads in brooders

That's what I though because pine shavings are coming from the same tree.