The coop is done and we get our first set of little peepers in a couple weeks. The only thing left to do is get bedding for the coop (going to do deep bedding method). Here's my plan, any feedback or advice on if this will work would be greatly appreciated:
We have a ton of branches cut last summer that are laying in a pile (not to mention a 1/4 acre woodlot that needs more trimmin'). My hope is that by spring they've dried out (ie. aren't 'green' anymore). I plan to rent a chipper and chip up a ton of woodchips from these branches and use it as our bedding. It's a mix of pine and various softwood trees. My questions are:
Anyone doing this? Seems to make sense with a woodlot to harvest.
Any input and advice would be appreciated...thanks!
We have a ton of branches cut last summer that are laying in a pile (not to mention a 1/4 acre woodlot that needs more trimmin'). My hope is that by spring they've dried out (ie. aren't 'green' anymore). I plan to rent a chipper and chip up a ton of woodchips from these branches and use it as our bedding. It's a mix of pine and various softwood trees. My questions are:
- How dry do they need to be? Considering it's self-chipped wood, I don't anticipate it being as dry as what you'd get from a supplier (more like mulch than nice woodchips I think). If I keep turning it, will moisture be an issue? (how moist is dangerous?)
- How do I store it? I'm assuming I'll have a whole lot, and assuming I'll need to store it in a garage or something so it continues to dry?
- Are there types of trees I shoudln't include? How about pine needles? I've heard some types are bad (cedar, I think?) but if it's mixed with other wood, does it matter?
- Will this work? I've only just envisioned doing this and I'm not sure the chips will be the right type or size...
Anyone doing this? Seems to make sense with a woodlot to harvest.
Any input and advice would be appreciated...thanks!