Pine needles?

[cluckfan]

Has anyone tried Pine needles in their runs? We have several white pines that are shedding at this time of the year. I raked and ended up with enough to lay down in my coop run. They have a big grassy yard as well. Of course they are having a ball digging through all the needles. Has anyone had any problems with using this material?

 

[LarryPQ]

It should be fine, and the scratching should help compost the needles faster.

 

[Ole rooster]

I posted on another thread about the pine needles. I rake them out of my run mainly because I clean my run every day. When the chickens have that loose poop, it is impossible to clean. I have to pick up a good bit of straw to get one poop pile out. If you intend to clean it, keep it out.

 

[Tracydr]

I use pine needles in my run. I basically use a DLM in the area my chickens hang out under my trees and bed it deeply with pine needles and alfalfa hay. As it breaks down and compacts I add more. Keeps it clean, soft and nice for hanging out. Underneath is a thick layer of large gravel.