Pine Needles for coop floor...

[chikmagnet69]

Has anyone heard of using pine needles; not shavings. I am new to this and decided on trying the pine needles from the abundant supply I have all around my property. Its been 6 weeks give or take and see no reason to change. Have not seen any adverse affects on my gals. It does have to be removed about every two to three weeks and replaced with some new pine needles. Thats where the wheelbarrow and rake come in to play. If the chicks are lucky some fresh bugs get thrown in the mix also. I thought I'd bring it up...I just haven't seen any info on using pine needles for coops. I also started using the needles in my garden as ground cover to help with moisture and weed control.

 

[boskelli1571]

I use pine needles in the outside run, but not inside. I haven't seen any negative comments on their usage.

 

[Chicnextdoor84]

Hmm I may try this in my run because it can get pretty wet when it rains. I am preparing to put river sand in the coop soon which I am so excited about. But our run is done in a triangle shape With a tarp that covers the half closer to the coop. It has a roof but with the teepee shape it lets rain in easily. Maybe the pine needles would allow better drainage. I hate mud!! This has been the wettest summer ever:/

 

[henless]

We have a lot of Pine trees in our area. I bag leaves & pine needles in the fall to put in the coop/run. Since I'm doing deep litter, I don't plan on cleaning it out until spring. I just add more bags of leaves/pine straw and shavings when needed.

 

[RonP]

Pine needles are fine, better when free

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It seems to be working well for you.

 

[MamaChicken4]

I've been using pin needles too. I find when I use them in the coop they are better if I mix them with pine shavings too. The pine needles by themselves aren't super absorbent. But they work fine. And they are free! The girls love to dig around in them too.