Can I use this for ground covering?

[Madhouse Pullet]

I don't know if it's a silly question but it came to me when I was cleaning up the yard. My neighbor has a pine tree that leaves tons of these things in my yard.

Would it hurt to use for my chickens & ducklings bedding?

 

[JacinLarkwell]

You might need additional coverings too, but I don't see why not

 

[Madhouse Pullet]

I was thinking of using it as a top layer to the shavings. Figured since there's so much, it could go to a good use.

 

[FortCluck]

I would use it as a top layer like you said. It won’t be absorbent enough to be used alone as bedding.

We use dried up leaves in the fall as bedding over the shaving because they give extra heat while they compost in the coop during the winter. We layer it every week creating a deep bedding and toss it around. Then we scoop it out in the spring for compost.

 

[achiekitty]

Absolutely fine to add to your shavings. Like FortCluck, I also add regularly to the bedding. I add whatever prunings I have: leaves, short branches and the chickens mix them all up. Ocasssionally I even add grassy weeds. I “harvest” Some of the composted bedding every few weeks or so, which also helps to unearthed bugs for my girls.

 

[jreardon1918]

It won't stay on top long. It will be mixed with the shavings. That is probably a good thing. The pine needles may have lots of sap. Inside the coop I wonder if they will make things sticky. Outside in the run, they will be a nice addition.

 

[The Backyard Bantams]

They’d look perfect for the run, not sure about the coop. Pine needles compost nicely and smell good, but they are not a good bedding.

 

[3KillerBs]

Pine straw is excellent in the run. Here in the NC Sandhills is where pine straw mulch is farmed commercially and I have had all I could need free for the raking off the longleaf and loblolly pines that are ubiquitous here.

It drains freely and the top surface dries quickly.

I mix some pine straw into the shavings in the coop too because it keep the shavings from packing and matting.

IMO, a mix of materials in the run is always going to be better than just one thing because the different textures promote drainage, prevent packing, and help keep the litter aerated.

 

[jreardon1918]

Pine straw is excellent in the run. Here in the NC Sandhills is where pine straw mulch is farmed commercially and I have had all I could need free for the raking off the longleaf and loblolly pines that are ubiquitous here.

It drains freely and the top surface dries quickly.

I mix some pine straw into the shavings in the coop too because it keep the shavings from packing and matting.

IMO, a mix of materials in the run is always going to be better than just one thing because the different textures promote drainage, prevent packing, and help keep the litter aerated.

We get lot's of pine needles. I might just mix some in with the pine shavings. Thanks

 

[Chickassan]

As long as the needles aren't green then sure.
The only issue when they are green is sticky feet and butts, you do not want that.