how to dispose of used pine shavings?

[NewFlockOnTheBlock]

We use pine shavings as bedding in our coop and are not sure how to best dispose of used shavings. The first time we changed out the shavings, we spread the old, dirty shavings in a little-used area between the coop and the fence. The second time, we spread them on the garden bed as fertilizer (it was fall and we were hoping that they'd get composed over the winter under the snow; we'll see what happens when spring comes).

However, I worry that by having access to the old shavings, our chickens may become re-exposed to issues such as mites, lice, cocci, and worms, which we've been dealing with in recent months.

Is it OK to put the shavings in our compost bin? The chickens don't have access to it but would eventually have access to the finished compost when it goes on our garden beds. I'm not sure if the icky organisms in the shavings will die in the composting process. Also, could the parasites etc. possibly escape from the bin before the shavings even get composted, and reinfect the chickens?

Should we just burn the used shavings? Seems like a waste but perhaps this is the best way to prevent repeated infections/infestations.

 

[chickengr]

not cure about cocci, but lice and mites shouldn't escape. if I remember well they can live only for a week outside the bird.

if you have a wooden stove you can burn it to heat the house.

 

[NewFlockOnTheBlock]

No wood stove, unfortunately... If we burned them, it would just be in a bonfire outside.

 

[123RedBeard]

If you do burn them ... save the ashes for the dust bath area ... I'd just compost them though.

 

[aart]

However, I worry that by having access to the old shavings, our chickens may become re-exposed to issues such as mites, lice, cocci, and worms, which we've been dealing with in recent months.

I'd burn them...
....unless you can maintain a very hot compost to kill the organisms and break down that wood.

 

[chickens really]

Depends on how much land you have. I have Spruce Trees and a I spread them under the trees. I also put lots up in my pasture.

 

[Kasilofchrisn]

I compost all of mine.
I mix my used pine shavings with my lawn clippings and whatever other compostable materials I have. leaves, food scraps the chickens don't eat, fish carcasses etcetera.
if you compost properly your compost should get up 140+ degrees and that should kill all microorganisms and is known to kill all the weed seeds that may be in there.
And the shavings will break down to nothing.
Turn your compost regularly to give it enough oxygen.
My compost bin is close enough to my chicken coop I just shovel out from the coop and into the compost pile.
It works great.
And my garden truly loves it.