chipped bamboo bedding

[JeffKlapper]

Has anyone used chipped bamboo as bedding? I was concerned about the high silica content, but DE is silica based so I'm thinking this is not a problem. I am planning my first chickens for this spring and would like to avoid mistakes!

 

[gritsar]

I don't recall the exact percentage, but food grade DE has a very low silica content.
Around here the easiest to obtain, inexpensive choice for shavings is pine.
Welcome to BYC Jeff!

 

[JeffKlapper]

Thanks Kat,

I volunteer with a land trust here in MD and one of our projects is to clear invasive plant species. We have an endless supply of free chipped bamboo. I have never heard of it being used with chickens. Free is good, but first do no harm-

Jeff

 

[columbiacritter]

As someone who's worked a lot with bamboo I'd be very reluctant to use chipped bamboo as bedding. I tell people working with bamboo is like working with fiberglass insulation because of the long silica strands. Bamboo sawdust is one of the itchiest substances I've ever dealt with. Chicken feet are tough but the constant irritation of the silica is likely to cause problems especially with younger birds.

Depending on how finely chipped it is you might worry about airway irritation

 

[JeffKlapper]

That was my concern as well so I thought I would ask if there were any folks who had tried it.
Since I have not found a single reference to its use anywhere, I suspect it should be avoided.
I'm sure not going to risk my first chickens.
Thanks