Chickens eating pine shavings

[Alice EG]

First of all; hello, this is my first post on this lovely board!

My chickens are all 13-14 weeks old, and... they seem to think their bedding is a treat. Every time I put a new layer of it down, they came running over to eat it and happily munch up all the "choice" bits of shavings!

This isn't going to hurt them, is it?

 

[fordmommy]

My girls kinda pick at it...taste it ...but I think they spit it out. I don't think they actually ATE any. Maybe they fiound something tasty IN the bedding. Tiny bugs maybe???

 

[michickenwrangler]

I tossed some in the run a few days ago--thinking that they would enjoy pecking and scratching THROUGH it but instead they ebgan eating it. I raked it up and tossed it in the woods. They're still alive and have been pooping, so I think they'll be fine

 

[purpletree23]

WELCOME TO BACKYARD CHICKENS!

Just a thought but do they have free choice of crushed oyster shell and chicken grit? They might be missing this in their diets.

 

[fargosmom]

My girls take a bite of theirs pretty regularly - doesn't seem to hurt them. Just make sure they have grit so they can digest it somewhat.

 

[Alice EG]

Yep, they have grit. I don't know if they're old enough to get oyster shells or not. Should I wait for them to start laying, or is it alright for them now?