Crushed Corn Cob for Litter?

Chicken Boo

Songster
11 Years
Jul 16, 2008
700
9
154
Glenn Dale, MD
I was given my first chickens last year. They were 3 and 4 years old. The person I got them from used crushed corn cob for the litter in the hen house. I continued this practice with no problems. It absorbs the droppings quite well. It cleans up easily when I clean the hen house. It composts really well. I notice that no one has mentioned using crushed corn cob on this list since I signed up. Is there any reason for me to change this practice?
 
I've heard it works well, all I know about it
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It is not economical to use in my barn (over 125ft long). Any corn, stalks or cobs to be used for liter from any of the farms that grow corn - everything they have extra is for silage for feeding cows.
 
Crushed cobs works, I've used them in brooders. Pine shavings are so much cheaper though in bulk. Another problem with the cobs is they are impossible to pick up with a pitchfork.
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My DW uses it in the bird cage, But it gets real costly. Retail is about $6.99 for 5-10lbs can't remember exactly at the pet store. Our daughter was working for a kennel and was able to get it at cost $20 for 50lb bag.
I'm pretty sure thats what they use here in all the production Chicken houses, But corn is everywhere for feed.
 
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Now, I need to note, I have read and heard that the litter, if ingested could be deadly. Not just from impacted crop or digestive issues, but because it DOES mold quickly, and anything ingested could harbor mold or parasites. So yes, I have used it, but the birds dont seem to eat it at all. Now chickens , on the other hand, would probably be another story, because they Do forage and peck alot.
You just have to be aware that besides the expense, there could be other down sides to it also.
 

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