Softwood bedding as opposed to hardwood?

[Lewis Turiccki]

Hey all I'm new to keeping chickens and was just looking for some advice. My hens currently have bark chippings in their run, but after reading that bark can harbour fungus and cause infections I'm looking to replace it ASAP. Now this question may seem a little pedantic but my local garden centre only stocks softwood chips and no hardwood. Is there a difference between the two and is softwood safe to use? Cheers.

- Lewis

 

[rjohns39]

Hey all I'm new to keeping chickens and was just looking for some advice. My hens currently have bark chippings in their run, but after reading that bark can harbour fungus and cause infections I'm looking to replace it ASAP. Now this question may seem a little pedantic but my local garden centre only stocks softwood chips and no hardwood. Is there a difference between the two and is softwood safe to use? Cheers.

- Lewis

Hi and welcome to BYC Avoid Cedar. Yes, there is a difference and it kind of depends on your goals. Hardwood will decompose slower than softwood, which basically means you get compost faster from the softer woods--but also that you'll need to add more or change it out sooner. That said I'm really not sure how much of a time difference there is. I use oak sawdust in my winter housing (2 feet) and they're in there about 100 days. When they come out I have great compost. I use pine shavings in my brooder and add more every 3 weeks, when I clean it out I have great compost as well. Let your nose be your judge, smell = need for more carbon or clean out. Again welcome and we're thrilled you've joined us

 

[Lewis Turiccki]

Hi and welcome to BYC Avoid Cedar. Yes, there is a difference and it kind of depends on your goals. Hardwood will decompose slower than softwood, which basically means you get compost faster from the softer woods--but also that you'll need to add more or change it out sooner. That said I'm really not sure how much of a time difference there is. I use oak sawdust in my winter housing (2 feet) and they're in there about 100 days. When they come out I have great compost. I use pine shavings in my brooder and add more every 3 weeks, when I clean it out I have great compost as well. Let your nose be your judge, smell = need for more carbon or clean out. Again welcome and we're thrilled you've joined us

Cheers rjohns39 I wasn't expecting such a speedy response! I have an allotment so fast composting bedding might actually be ideal. Plus I'm sure Nugget and Hot Wing will be pleased to have a regular woodchip refresh.

 

[rjohns39]

I can't remember which user it was, maybe @aart , has a really interesting composting system in the run. If its not, then may know who it is.

 

[rjohns39]

When you have a sec, stop by new member introductions and introduce yourself to the group.

 

[aart]

I have a large walk in run and never 'clean' poops from the run, and there is rarely any nasty odors. The bedding of a good mix of dry plant materials use facilitates this nicely, it's basically no maintenance other than adding more material from time to time. I was able to start with a big load of tree trimmings from the power company that had been aged(6 months) so I avoided the toxic molds that can bloom with fresh chippings. I collect dry leaves in the fall (stored in feed bags in a shed) and add them occasionally, and other garden trimmings. I let my grass grow tall, mow and spread it out with discharge pattern, leave it to dry a few day, then push it into rows with the mower discharge, rake it up and add to run.

Trailer full of aged ramial wood chippings.

After adding dried grass (hay).