Question about pine shavings

[javaferret]

Hi all, newbie here, I have been reading a couple threads here regarding sand for coop and run use vs deep litter with pine shavings. There seems to be a lot of back and forth about the pros and cons of sand, so I started wondering about pine shavings. I had used them before when I had chickens and it worked out well (did have sand on the bottom of the floor and shavings piled up on that).

My question is regarding using the shavings and chicken litter in the compost on the next season's garden. Are there chemicals in shavings, is there a way to find out if they do or don't have chemicals, and does it really matter (too low dose to really get uptake by the plants)?

I use to buy bags of shavings from the feed store, but I know some get theirs from lumbar yards, again not sure what would be the safest source.

Any input would be great I am tempted to try sand for part of the run due to a rainy state, but would probably go with deep litter for in the coop itself.

Thanks!

 

[Ridgerunner]

You can always call the producer, probably listed on the bag of shavings, and talk to them to satisfy yourself, but I think you are over-concerned. There is no reason for them to go to the expense of adding anything to the shavings. Treated wood is shaped before treating. It is packaged for use with many different kinds of animals, some of which can be fairly sensitive about chemicals. Personally I’m not at all concerned about it. Either compost it before you use it on the garden or put it on in the fall so it is broken down by springtime.

You will find that there are a lot of different opinions on a lot of topics on this forum. Some of that is because so many different things work. Some of that is because of the different conditions we face. How well sand, shavings, or something else work on coops or runs will depend on how wet they are, (from climate, whether the coop/run are positioned where water drains away from them or toward them, good or poor ventilation), chicken density (the more chickens in a smaller area the more poop), how they are managed, and many other things. Some people like to think the conditions they face are exactly the same for every other person in the world, but we are all unique. Different things work differently for each of us.

 

[javaferret]

Thanks, and yes I think I was over thinking/worrying about chemicals I love to garden, so would love to have my own compost factory

I am enjoying reading all the personal accounts on the different bedding methods, and since I am moving to a new part of the country, I am trying to figure out the best way to keep my future chickens. By the time I get them next spring I will have gotten enough info and then just start seeing what works by trial and error, hopefully less error with all the info gained from you guys! I just haven't had to deal with a rainy climate and worried about soggy smelly pools of rotting wood and poo.

 

[Bryant Redhawk]

normally, if the shavings are sold for bedding for animals, they will not be from treated wood so no chemicals.

usually the bags will give a lot of information, including which animals they are suitable for use with.

As has been posted, when in doubt, call the manufacturer.