pelleted bedding

[iPeanut1990]

I want to switch my chicks to pelleted bedding to use in the coop once I'm finished with this bag of aspen shavings. It's way too dusty for my liking. My chicks sneeze all the time and I just don't like it. I plan on feeding them pellets once they're ready to transition off of the grower/finisher crumble. I know you're supposed to slowly introduce the new food so will they learn what's food and what's bedding?

 

[Hokum Coco]

I want to switch my chicks to pelleted bedding to use in the coop once I'm finished with this bag of aspen shavings.

I use Pelleted bedding and I like them and find the advantages out weigh the disadvantages. A lot of people frown on them for various reasons. I buy them locally and am very satisfied with the results. Do not know what they are made from to be honest.

 

[iPeanut1990]

I use Pelleted bedding and I like them and find the advantages out weigh the disadvantages. A lot of people frown on them for various reasons.

Why do people not like them?

 

[subhanalah]

Ferment your feed so you don't have to worry about them thinking the pellets are food.
http://tikktok.wordpress.com/2014/04/13/fermented-feed-faq/

 

[Shesinthebarn]

I have used pelleted bedding from day one with my chicks and I love it! No dust, easy to clean, virtually no smell. I use it with horses as well and it is my favourite bedding. I don't know if I will use it in the coop in winter, but for now I love it! Have not had issue with them eating it so far.

 

[RonP]

I used the pellets last year and will not use them again. I keep the litter on the coop floor 8 to 12 inches high, pine shavings. I clean out the coop every fall. I turn the shaving every week or three to keep them fluffed. When using the pellets last winter, they packed down terribly. I had to fluff every day, and still held too much moisture in the litter. First time I ever smelt ammonia. This never happened with the shavings, but again, I clean the coop out but once a year. I use Pine shavings not aspen, I'm not familiar with aspen.

 

[subhanalah]

I wouldn't recommend aspen at all for most livestock. When wet it quickly molds and can cause aspergillosis(spelling).

 

[iPeanut1990]

hmm.. thanks! guess if i end up not using pellets i'll make sure not to buy aspen shavings again.