New coop... moist chips

[Ja Mee]

We moved our six chickens into a brand new 8x8 coop the other night. We are using chips from ChipDrop that we put in the sun on a tarp for a couple days hoping that they would dry out. We added them to the floor of the coop but they are still quite damp. They have not been in rain...

We have really good ventilation along the peak of the roof, and windows on three walls. Will it dry out? It gets no direct sunlight.

I'm tempted to just replace the wood chips with TSC pine shavings because they would be dry.( I think I've heard that damp bedding isn't good for their feet?)

I'm mainly concerned because their run is not completed yet and they are stuck inside for a bit.

 

[WingsysRoost]

Damp bedding is definitely not going to be good for their feet. I suspect that was one of the factors that gave basically my entire flock bumblefoot. High moisture also creates risk of frostbite if it gets at all cold. I would also be concerned about the possibility for mold and other things that might cause respiratory issues, especially since they are currently confined. It may not be immediate, but I would definitely have concern about potential longer-term trouble.

I can't really speak too much on the shavings. I truly prefer hemp bedding over anything else because I find that it isn't dusty compared to other kinds of bedding. From a moisture standpoint, the shavings will definitely be much better, and I think that's the important thing here.

I have wood chips from ChipDrop that are spread out in the yard to sit over winter. The chickens are able to get to them, but they have sunlight and airflow to dry them properly. I plan to eventually add them to the run once they are less fresh.

Also, I have definitely been there with the run not being completed. Best of luck with getting everything set up!

 

[3KillerBs]

Fresh wood chips are best aged and dried before using, though they can be used in THIN layers in the run.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Honestly it should be fine, my pile never completely dries out when I need it, so I put in chips while they're still ground-contact damp and it's not been an issue. I've been using wood chips in the coop for about 3-4 years now. I do have a well ventilated coop with 2 coats of Black Jack 57 to waterproof the wood floor.

If they don't seem to be drying out inside, try removing some of the chips and then adding them in gradually in thinner layers, that'll allow them to surface dry more quickly.

 

[Ja Mee]

Honestly it should be fine, my pile never completely dries out when I need it, so I put in chips while they're still ground-contact damp and it's not been an issue. I've been using wood chips in the coop for about 3-4 years now. I do have a well ventilated coop with 2 coats of Black Jack 57 to waterproof the wood floor.

If they don't seem to be drying out inside, try removing some of the chips and then adding them in gradually in thinner layers, that'll allow them to surface dry more quickly.

Good idea! Thank you.

 

[aart]

Damp chips won't hurt their feet, mine run around all year in rain and snow.
I do use shavings in the coop tho because of humidity issues.