Can chickens use Aspen bedding?

[Scooter&Suzie]

I have a bag of aspen bedding left over from my rats. It is almost full, so I hate to not be able to use it. Would it be alright to use for my chickens? I wouldn't buy anymore, because it costs $10 for a bag of aspen, and only 5 for pine.

I just don't want to use anything that would be toxic.

 

[Judy]

Sure. Any of them can be a bit irritating, including pine -- see how strong the odor is. Maybe let it air out a bit. I used two leftover bags of cedar bedding -- on mature chickens, in small quantities mixed in with other stuff, in a very airish coop. Now I wouldn't put pure cedar in a Tupperware tote with baby chicks, granted -- but I think you can use a little common sense and be safe.

 

[Scooter&Suzie]

Okay thanks! I'll just mix it in with the pine bedding.

 

[trooper]

When I first got my chickens a few years ago I used aspen in my coop and it didn't hurt them at.After I realized the price difference I decided to go to the course pine shavings.I have had no problems with either one.