Pine chips

[henney]

I have two chicks, 2wk old sex-link and 4wk old Australope. Is it safe to put Pine chips on the floor because they seem to eat them? I took them out and put down a towel but it get to dirty? I don't want them to get pasty butt.
Thanks

 

[gritsar]

Yes, they'll be fine with pine shavings at that age. Yes you'll probably see them pick some up in their beak. They don't have hands, so they pick everything up in their beaks to see if it's edible. They won't swallow enough to hurt them.

 

[cmom]

Here is my setup I have seen my chicks peck at the shaving but never eat them.

 

[henney]

I put the pine chips back in the brooder. That's a great pic of the feeding station set off to the side to keep out the chips! I think I'll do that. Thanks!

 

[Crickett]

Pine is fine but don't let them have cedar! If getting your shavings from the feed/pet store, be sure NOT to get them Cedar Bedding/shavongs. Cedar will kill them. Pine is ok though. I used pine in my brooder boxes from day 1, mixed it with some newspaper shreds. My chickies are doing well.

 

[henney]

I'm using the soft pine shavings from the feed store, no on cedar for sure!

 

[CHIC]

I just put cedar in with my pullets a few days ago.... Will it hurt them? I read to put it in the coop to absorb moisture and keep the smell down.. What will it do to them?

 

[mikenandrea]

I read in my "chicken for dummies" book, the reason not to use cedar is because of all the ammonia it causes from repeated waste and droppings from the chicks.. The fumes it what is deadly for them..

 

[Crickett]

I don't know first hand what it will do, but I have read and heard that cedar is poisonus for chickens.

 

[SallyF]

We used cedar for two years with adult birds with no ill effects. Only switched to pine when there was a chick involved, just to be on the safe side.