Pine Shavings for Bedding

[Jmdragon08]

Hello all, sorry if this has been asked before I am not very familiar with the website. I am hoping someone can confirm that the pine shavings from Tractor Supply are safe for chickens in an enclosed coop at night? I just replaced their old straw bedding with this pine shaving and they seemed scared of it not sure if it was because it was new and different or if they did not like the smell?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

It's probably because they are different than what they are used to. We use these exact shavings. They are safe.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Hello all, sorry if this has been asked before I am not very familiar with the website. I am hoping someone can confirm that the pine shavings from Tractor Supply are safe for chickens in an enclosed coop at night? I just replaced their old straw bedding with this pine shaving and they seemed scared of it not sure if it was because it was new and different or if they did not like the smell?

How old are your chickens?
If transitioning from straw to shavings, then they may need to just get used to them.

I do use shavings like that in my coop and haven't had any issues, but I do make sure they have plenty of ventilation with any type of bedding I use, whether it's straw or shavings.

 

[raeanne]

Hello all, sorry if this has been asked before I am not very familiar with the website. I am hoping someone can confirm that the pine shavings from Tractor Supply are safe for chickens in an enclosed coop at night? I just replaced their old straw bedding with this pine shaving and they seemed scared of it not sure if it was because it was new and different or if they did not like the smell?

I use that one. I actually use sand in summer and add that on top for winter to compost in the coop. W grass clippings and leaves too in winter time . Worked great. As long as not cedar it’s good to my knowledge

 

[Jmdragon08]

It's probably because they are different than what they are used to. We use these exact shavings. They are safe.

Thanks! Hopefully that’s what it is. Of course I looked information up and saw that some people say the dust from pine is harmful to their respiratory system but was unsure if they meant all pine or just pine that is chemically treated which would make sense.

 

[Jmdragon08]

I use that one. I actually use sand in summer and add that on top for winter to compost in the coop. W grass clippings and leaves too in winter time . Worked great. As long as not cedar it’s good to my knowledge

Awesome thanks for letting me know. And sand is a great idea I will have to try that! I did read that cedar was bad. I was assuming tractor supply wouldn’t sell these pine shavings it if it were harmful but their reaction to it and staying out of the coop and in the dark was not like them so I had to find out!

 

[Mutchi]

The shavings should be alright, chickens are super sensitive to new things, so they may seem scared of it at first.

 

[Jmdragon08]

How old are your chickens?
If transitioning from straw to shavings, then they may need to just get used to them.

I do use shavings like that in my coop and haven't had any issues, but I do make sure they have plenty of ventilation with any type of bedding I use, whether it's straw or shavings.

My chickens are just over a year old. Their reaction to not wanting to be in the coop while it was dark out made me think something was really wrong with the shavings. I’m so glad others use it with no issues. Thank you!

 

[Jmdragon08]

The shavings should be alright, chickens are super sensitive to new things, so they may seem scared of it at first.

I think you’re right! They definitely freaked out. I guess they would rather have old gross straw! Just kidding, Poor girls I was just trying to help them out but they acting like their night was ruined

 

[3KillerBs]

some people say the dust from pine is harmful to their respiratory system

While the same oils in cedar that repel bugs are dangerous for other animals to breathe, people who are trying to tell you that ordinary pine is toxic are usually trying to sell you something else.

My chickens, who were used to shavings, got freaked out when I put down straw (because broken bales are free at this farm store).