Is there such a thing as "bad" pine shavings?

[DottieMarie]

I opened a new bag of pine shavings today and it really smells strong and actually feels damp to the touch. Is this okay to use? The chicks are only 2 and 3 weeks old so I'm concerned about them breathing in whatever that smell is.

 

[speckledhen]

I've had that happen a few times. They aren't dried enough, but you can remove some from the bag and put them on something to air dry a bit. Smells like pine disinfectant to me.

 

[DottieMarie]

Thanks for the response. Yes it does smell like some strond disinfectant. I'll try drying some out before using it.
I just wanted to be sure it wouldn't hurt the chicks.