No pine mulch!!!

[Mybackyardpeepers]

Here I go again! I am getting my runs ready for winter and have muddy spots in need of mulch. My local home improvement stores all say they are having a hard time getting pine mulch. Home Depot said they have pine nuggets, but I have silkies in one run and don't want to make getting around more complicated than their clumsy feet already are, plus I have ducks (ducklings). Last time I couldn't find pine mulch I purchased cedar, which I now understand is not a good choice. My run that was put in was very open and had enough circulation, no one got sick from it. I don't want to make that mistake again, so here's the question! What other mulch can I safely use since I can't get pine? Thanks.

 

[Folly's place]

Farm stores are the place for bagged shavings. Check there, because prices and quality varies. Our local feed mill stocks better stuff at better prices than TSC, for example.
Mary

 

[so lucky]

It is said on this forum that ramial wood chips work better for run surface, as it doesn't break down as easily as pine chips. If you know someone with a shredder/chipper they might be a good source. Some municipalities give them away for free, as that is how they get rid of storm debris.

 

[Mybackyardpeepers]

Farm stores are the place for bagged shavings. Check there, because prices and quality varies. Our local feed mill stocks better stuff at better prices than TSC, for example.
Mary

I don't need the shavings, I need the mulch like you put around trees, landscaping.

 

[TwistedSteel]

Do a search for your nearest sawmill. If all else fails Walmart has pine shavings

 

[Mybackyardpeepers]

It is said on this forum that ramial wood chips work better for run surface, as it doesn't break down as easily as pine chips. If you know someone with a shredder/chipper they might be a good source. Some municipalities give them away for free, as that is how they get rid of storm debris.

Good idea, not sure where to get road side tree chipping. The lady I board at gets hers that way but she hasn't been given any in awhile.

 

[Mybackyardpeepers]

Do a search for your nearest sawmill. If all else fails Walmart has pine shavings

Ok, but I need mulch not shavings. Local stores are sold out of lawn care stuff.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Good idea, not sure where to get road side tree chipping. The lady I board at gets hers that way but she hasn't been given any in awhile.

Call local tree companies (or check getchipdrop.com) and ask how much they'll charge to drop off a load - if you're lucky they'll do it for tips, or cost of gas. In my area they're quite eager to find people to offload chips on.

 

[Mybackyardpeepers]

Call local tree companies (or check getchipdrop.com) and ask how much they'll charge to drop off a load - if you're lucky they'll do it for tips, or cost of gas. In my area they're quite eager to find people to offload chips on.

Awesome, thank you!!!

 

[Sequel]

Call local tree companies (or check getchipdrop.com) and ask how much they'll charge to drop off a load - if you're lucky they'll do it for tips, or cost of gas. In my area they're quite eager to find people to offload chips on.

X2 On contacting tree services! It used to be easy to get them to dump here, I think more people are getting on to the wonders of wood chip mulch. I still have a pretty good sized pile but I’ve called to get more but so far nothing. Good luck!