Ran Out of Shavings. Anything Else I Could Use in the Meantime?

[Chickie Mamma]

Hello, I didn't realize I was out of pine shavings. I really wanted to clean out the coop today. Finally in the 50's but not for long. Can I shread newspaper or would they get sick from it? Thanks..

 

[DTchickens]

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newspaper gets slippery, just throw some leaves in there.

 

[Chickie Mamma]

Ooooh, I got plenty of those. Thanks!

 

[DTchickens]

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No problem

people often overlook leaves ( i guess probably because they come off the ground) But their not deadly to chickens, doesn't attract mites worse then anything else, their free, etc

 

[LynneP]

Peat moss is good, too, and when you get more shavings, simply add on top. Can be treated with food-grade DE, Stable Boy or whatever treatment you use for odor control...

 

[GardenerGal]

I have used dry leaves, hay and straw in a pinch. The hay and straw get poopy and matted very fast though. Leaves you can stir with a rake to keep them fluffy and let the poop fall through.

 

[dangerouschicken]

YOU PEOPLE ARE GENIUSES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Buster]

I've been using straw all winter. I much prefer the shavings though. I never thought of leaves. Maybe I'll have to ask my neighbor for some next year.

 

[GardenerGal]

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No - we're just pragmatic and desperate.

You know that saying - Necessity is the mother of invention.