Pine Shavings Alternatives

[karenleigh]

Help, please! I think I'm allergic to the pine shavings I'm using in my coop (I'm hoping it's that and not the chickens!). Is there anything else I can use? I saw some recycled stuff (paper?) for rabbit bedding at Petsmart. Would that work or be dangerous for them to eat?

Thank you for your help.

 

[gotchooks?]

I've read somewhere on here about using "Equine Pine"

I don't know what's causing your allergies but this stuff has little or no dust and the pellets are too big for chickens to eat...or so I've heard.

I can't find it here in Michigan...I'd consider using something like this, personally. The pine shavings I'm using now combined with DE = MAJOR DUSTBOWL.

Hope you get some good answers and ~Yikes!~ I hope you're NOT allergic to your chickens!

 

[jaye]

I use Woody Pet for my poultry houses and I love it. I find it works best when it's been wet down to "activate" it. It really handles the ammonia well and lasts a long time.

I use it in our horse stalls as well.

http://woodypet.com/

 

[SundownWaterfowl]

Straw works good.

 

[DawnSuiter]

Sand, course construction sand

 

[gotchooks?]

Quote:
How often do you have to change it out? I use the deep litter method now and when my hens stir things up, the dust flies!

 

[LynneP]

Peat moss is another choice. A lot of horse owners with animals allergic to shavings use this...

 

[Anny]

I think the paper stuff you are thinking of is Carefresh, it can be pretty pricey but when I used it for my rats and rabbits THEY LOVED it. And so did I it kills all bad smell, and it has no dust.

You could also try aspin shaving it's line pine but a little less dusty, most pet stores will carry it.

You could also use straw

 

[redoak]

I use lawn clippings, I let them dry in the sun for 2 days after I mow, then use a lawn sweeper to collect them.

 

[orchidchick]

I use the pine pellets similar to woody pet but just not that brand name but I don't activate with water and I use the deep litter method. So it's a nice dry firm pellet base. They eventually get more broken down with the moisture in the poo and with the stirring up, and it is also very humid here, so it is a pretty dust free product when used this way. The birds themselves produce a lot of dander dust. I don't want to say wet anything down because mold allergy could be causing you a problem as well.

I use DE fairly liberally so that does provide some dust but you could eliminate that and see if that helps your situation. Also, a dust mask may help. You can't be allergic to your chickies!!!

But honestly, sand is probably the way to go for you.

Orchidchick