I hate pine shavings!

[barred2rock]

I felt bad because I kept hearing how terrible the straw I'm using is and how great pine shavings are. I finally went out and got pine shavings to add to the coop & run. Well, this great big bundle went 1/4 of the way (if that) that a bundle of straw goes. It's far more dusty and I might as well had dumped hamburger out in the coop and run. The chickens went to town on it as soon as I dumped it out there. Thank goodness I have straw to mix it into or I'd really be upset. Makes me wonder how many people that spout how terrible straw is and how great pine shavings are have actually used anything but their beloved pine shavings. PINE SHAVINGS SUCK!!!

 

[BYCforlife]

Straw is so much better, in my opinion. It stays clean for way longer, it's easier to form for making a nest, and it staying clean for longer is better for chicks. Why don't people like it?

 

[BYCforlife]

The only difference is that pine shavings look better right when you put them in.

 

[Lizardlicks]

I use deep litter, so I start with pine shaving because they're denser and slower to break down, but once the initial layer is on there all I add is chopped straw and dead leaves. Definitely don't keep on with them.

 

[flyin-lowe]

I start inside my coop with a layer of pine shavings and then add straw, dried leaves, grass clippings etc to it as the summer goes on. Then in the fall I clean it out and spread it on my garden to sit the rest of the winter. I start over and do the same thing again until spring. I would not put pine shavings in a my run because the just soak up water and would be a mess. In m run I throw a bale of straw in there and as it starts to break down I add grass clippings etc. to it or more straw. I usually let the stuff in my run break down almost completely I never rake it out. Once it is about back to mud I start over again.

 

[debid]

The guys who clear brush and limbs from around power lines were at our house. I pointed out a spot and offered to take however many wood chips they wanted to leave and WOW, we have a lot of free mulch! So, chickens have a new material to try out. I'm hoping it works inside as well as out because the last time I looked, shavings were over $6/bale at TSC ($5.79+tax).

I was using dry leaves in the run (which are terrific and also free) but I often run out before the fall and I'm out now.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

The guys who clear brush and limbs from around power lines were at our house. I pointed out a spot and offered to take however many wood chips they wanted to leave and WOW, we have a lot of free mulch! So, chickens have a new material to try out. I'm hoping it works inside as well as out because the last time I looked, shavings were over $6/bale at TSC ($5.79+tax).

I was using dry leaves in the run (which are terrific and also free) but I often run out before the fall and I'm out now.

@debid I think it's great to get free bedding. FWIW- you may want to read this thread in it's entirety before using fresh chips - long thread, but worth a read and something to consider. Not saying it will happen in your situation, but fresh chips can mold quickly.https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/dying-chickens.1129854/

 

[barred2rock]

The guys who clear brush and limbs from around power lines were at our house. I pointed out a spot and offered to take however many wood chips they wanted to leave and WOW, we have a lot of free mulch! So, chickens have a new material to try out. I'm hoping it works inside as well as out because the last time I looked, shavings were over $6/bale at TSC ($5.79+tax).

I was using dry leaves in the run (which are terrific and also free) but I often run out before the fall and I'm out now.

Unfortunately we don't have leaves for miles around. Only pine needles .

 

[GC-Raptor]

I decided I didn't like pine shavings, when my chicks started eating it, when their mouth got big enough. When I moved them to the coop at 5 1/2 weeks. They were still eating the shavings.
I didn't want to use hay, because a coworker lost his flock to moldy hay. So I decided on straw.
I have now used compacted straw for over a year. I like it. If my girls eat it, I don't worry, because it's dried grain stalks. Not wood. GC

 

[Jessicx]

I started with pine shavings, and quickly switched because it had almost zero absorption and made the coop a disgusting mess. I tried sand, but it's expensive, promotes bacterial growth, and I couldn't control mold or mites. Now I use straw. It's so easy to change, and I can easily control bugs by putting DE underneath.