Pine and Cedar shavings are dangerous

[Suzierd]

I just lost a baby chick and I highly suspect the pine shavings. I had no problems before, but this batch of shavings had a lot of dust in it. Im having a necropsy done on my poor little Sally to find out for sure. Im so bummed out.

Would you please share your necropsy results.

 

[Chicks on DL]

I used pine in the brooder and use hay in the coop. Hay that is made of smaller, thin pieces works best and is more absorbent. My chickens free range all day and don't seem to eat it at all. I think you should use what works best for you. Chickens like people have different personalities.

 

[kamila]

Anybody ever use rice hulls?

 

[bruceha2000]

Anybody ever use rice hulls?

That would be a LOT of rice hulls!

Bruce

 

[maryhysong]

Pine is fine if it's dry, as in packaged kiln dried shavings. Have used it for over 6 years with no issues. It's aromatic cedar that can cause issues. ANY shavings that are super dusty can be a problem.

I have to agree with this. I doubt pine of itself is toxic to mammals and the original poster gave no links to research or studies. Have used shavings, sawdust and chips for years for all sorts of animals in all kinds of situations.

I will say that extra dusty bedding of ANY kind will brings on snotty noses and sneezing in any animal & most people.

 

[maryhysong]

the study I read say's if your chickens do not have breathing problems they do have liver problems from kiln dried and reg pine and cedar bedding

could you post a link to the study please?

 

[countrygirl74]

I just got 4 big packages of pine shavings and boy is it aromatic! The last time I bought shavings, I didn't hardly smell a thing. I asked if it was safe for chickens at the feed store and they say they use it with no problems. I thought I would check on here real quick to see if anyone has any thoughts. I am trying to do the deep litter method in my runs for both ducks and chickens. For some reason these packages are REALLY strong smelling. Will it hurt my birds? Should I return it and stick to straw?

 

[bruceha2000]

. I am trying to do the deep litter method in my runs for both ducks and chickens. For some reason these packages are REALLY strong smelling. Will it hurt my birds? Should I return it and stick to straw?

Same brand as always I presume. They are fine, I bought 2 "bales" today, also doing deep litter. Its the oils in cedar that are the problem. Spread the pine shavings out and soon enough they'll smell like chicken poo

Bruce

 

[countrygirl74]

Same brand as always I presume. They are fine, I bought 2 "bales" today, also doing deep litter. Its the oils in cedar that are the problem. Spread the pine shavings out and soon enough they'll smell like chicken poo

Bruce

No, actually, it was a different brand because the 1st 2 bales I got at Cal-Ranch - almost no smell to them at all... then I found out our local feed store carried them for several dollars less and bought some more. I could barely stand driving around doing errands with them in the vehicle. Pretty strong! Anything I should watch out for as I planned on putting them all over the run for both chickens and ducks... The 1st 2 were not enough so I bought a few more to really cover the runs and mix in with the dirt, poo, and straw.
Extra note: they did just arrive on their truck to the location that day... maybe they're just REALLY fresh?

 

[Suzierd]

No, actually, it was a different brand because the 1st 2 bales I got at Cal-Ranch - almost no smell to them at all... then I found out our local feed store carried them for several dollars less and bought some more. I could barely stand driving around doing errands with them in the vehicle. Pretty strong! Anything I should watch out for as I planned on putting them all over the run for both chickens and ducks... The 1st 2 were not enough so I bought a few more to really cover the runs and mix in with the dirt, poo, and straw.
Extra note: they did just arrive on their truck to the location that day... maybe they're just REALLY fresh?

I do believe they should be kiln dried and low on dust.