Pine chips/offcuts/bark(?) in coop

[HelveticaTheBold]

Hi All, We can get a trailer load of pine offcuts for $10 from the local mill. They take the pine logs and put them through a grader and that removes all of the bark, outsides and whatever to make uniform poles.

Would it be ok for the coop? I can see lots on pine shavings but these aren't the soft pine shavings. Some pieces can be quite big - like the length of a hand.

Thoughts?

 

[Ridgerunner]

When I first started reading I expected bigger pieces, glad you clarified size. When you walk on them are you going to have firm footing or are you at risk of turning your ankle?

The main purpose of bedding is to absorb moisture from the poop, sort of like a diaper. Are those basically bark or are there some decent sized chunks of wood in them? I'm not sure how absorbent those bigger chunks will be. Then sometimes you need to turn it to help it dry out. If the chunks are small enough the chickens will often do that for you with their scratching or you can use a rake. I'd think with those you'd need to use a shovel.

I have not tried anything like that, no experience to call on for chunks that size. If your coop stays really dry, no rain gets in and you have good ventilation so it can dry out, it could work. But I'd be reluctant to try them.

 

[Gray Farms]

Sounds like they'd work good for in the run, but not in the coop.

 

[HelveticaTheBold]

I’ll take a picture when we’re home but we use the pine already for mulch around plants. I would say there is no piece wider than an inch or thicker than an 1/4inch. They’re just long.

It’s a good point about drying them out.

We may try and see how we go.

Any signs to check for to show it isn’t working?

 

[Ridgerunner]

If the coop stinks it is not working. If it doesn't stink you are golden.

 

[aart]

If the coop stinks it is not working. If it doesn't stink you are golden.

True Dat!!

Sounds like they'd work good for in the run, but not in the coop.

Agrees that probably better in run than coop.

Any signs to check for

Sharpness of ends and edges might be a concern for feet injuries, keep an eye on feet.
Looking forward to seeing a pic.

Oh, and....curious...
Where in this world are you located?
Climate is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!

 

[HelveticaTheBold]

If the coop stinks it is not working. If it doesn't stink you are golden.

I did laugh at that.

It's still a good tip!

 

[HelveticaTheBold]

True Dat!!


Agrees that probably better in run than coop.


Sharpness of ends and edges might be a concern for feet injuries, keep an eye on feet.
Looking forward to seeing a pic.

Oh, and....curious...
Where in this world are you located?
Climate is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!
View attachment 1656974

Interesting about sharpness. It's not sore to pick up when you collect by hand - you know how straw can get really prickly and scratch you up before you even notice. You don't need gloves to work with this.

I'll leave it for our run then.

What about jarrah sawdust? Any thoughts?

I've added my location. We are in the south west of Western Australia. It's anywhere between 28 - 39 Celsius during the day at the moment and very dry.

 

[aart]

Interesting about sharpness. It's not sore to pick up when you collect by hand - you know how straw can get really prickly and scratch you up before you even notice. You don't need gloves to work with this

Might not be a problem then, just keep an eye out.

What about jarrah sawdust? Any thoughts?

Have no clue......there are quite few Aussies here, I think they have a chat thread;
Not sure if this is it, but would be a good place to start:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/australians-where-are-you-all.186559/page-386

This appears to have much more traffic:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...-little-island.598568/page-3435#post-20921666

 

[rosemarythyme]

Don't know what jarrah sawdust is (compared to "normal" sawdust) but main concern with sawdust is that if it's too dusty/fine it can cause respiratory issues.

I do use wood chips inside my coop but they're mixed sizes. I try to use smaller pieces for inside, and leave chunkier/longer pieces for out in the run. It's absorbent enough as long as poop is cleaned out regularly and helps runny poop to clump up, so it does the job.