Six week old chicks eating some of their pine shavings?

[Txboi83]

Ok I have four six week old chicks and I added pine shavings to their new hen house and they started to eat small bits of it is that ok or should I worry?

 

[mljohnson05]

Pine chips are not ones that you have to worry about...if they were cedar then I would worry.
I would replace the shaving with play sand...it is very easy to clean with a kitty scoop and it also acts as GRIT, so it does not matter if they eat it.

Just make sure that they are not getting blocked up while eating the shaving

Best Wishes,
Laura

 

[Dewsetter]

Every chick I have ever had has done that too and they never come to any harm. I have always used the animal grade pine shavings.
I am sure they will be fine.

 

[Txboi83]

Thanks for all the reply's it really puts my mind at rest it's nice to hear that it's not just my chicks

 

[Funky Feathers]

I had an adult hen die and the vet who did the necropsy said her crop was full of nothing but pine shavings! Probably what killed her. Buy why? Why do they do this?

 

[Txboi83]

Has anyone else had their hens die from eating pine shavings?

 

[StandardLover]

No deaths from pine shavings here. Do you think your hen was already sick?

 

[Txboi83]

No none of them are acting sick just wondering if it was ok or something I need to worry about they seem to be fine their eating their food and the weeds I put in their coop just thought it was odd but I might just be worrying over nothing