Issues with Straw?

[makemineirish]

I had originally investigated straw to put on my vegetable garden. However, growers usually spray a broad spectrum pesticide on it before harvest that has a 500 day half life. Apparently, you should only use straw in your garden if you have an organic source - not likely.

My native garden center sells "pine straw" by the bales to substitute. Is there any reason not to use pine needles in a chicken coop?

 

[thebanthams]

Nothing wrong with pine nedles, they will break down easily. But they are very pointy like needles!!