Pine Shaving for Chicks- is it really a problem?

[klw987]

I have chicks hatching this week. In the past, I always got day old chicks and raised them in a brooder. This time, a Black Australorp is doing the work for me! I prefer pine shavings in the coop, but I know it isn't recommended b/c the chicks might try to eat it. My question... has anyone actually had this problem?? Has anyone used pine shavings for chicks and not had a problem?

 

[mixedbreeds]

I use nothing but pine chips and have never had a problem. I normally put some paper towels down for a couple of days and sprinkle ground up chick starter on them. It gets them picking feed pretty fast, then I remove them when they start actively eating from the feeder.

 

[Punkybrewster]

Its been done for years. I personally have never had a problem. I now use puppy pee pads the first couple of weeks only because its easy to clean and then switch over to pine shavings when the chicks start tearing the pads apart. But for years i only used the shavings and never had a problem with chicks ingesting them.
As far as brooding with a hen in a coop with shavings, its done all the time. I personally wouldnt even worry about it.

 

[Scott1029]

I’ve always used pine chips and never had any issues. I see them eat the occasional tiny bit but they’ve never come to harm from it

 

[starri33]

I've used pine shavings for mine, never had a issue.

 

[chickens really]

The reason it's recommended to use paper towel the first few day is because human raised Chicks don't have Momma to teach them what's appropriate to eat. I use pine shavings all the time with Broody raised Chicks.

 

[thebestcasey]

I have also used pine shavings. No issues so far and my first chicks are now 4 weeks old. I change it frequently though.

 

[Essentiallyokanaganmom]

We used pine shavings. Our Day olds seemed to figure out the difference between the shaving and food very quickly.... everything I read said to make sure TO get pine shavings as other shavings can be toxic. Now if I could get them to realize the shavings work better as a bathroom than thier food tray does......

 

[D-Bar-B]

We also used nothing but pine shavings in our brooder. No problems at all.

 

[klw987]

Thanks everyone! I used pine shavings, but did put down paper towels for the first day. After one day, the mama hen pulled all the paper towels in to her nest anyway. Chicks are 2 weeks old now☺