Tobacco Stems as Nesting Material

[HouseCat]

Has anyone seen these? They're advertised for use as Pigeon nesting material. Nicotine is a natural pesticide, repelling/killing fleas, lice, mites, etc as well. I think this is a brilliant idea and wonder why chicken folks haven't applied it to their next boxes. Is there any reason why these wouldn't be a good idea to use in the coop?

http://www.foyspigeonsupplies.com/nest-bowls/746-tobacco-stems

 

[chfite]

Just an observation that chickens eat everything, even the pine shavings in the nests. If they ate the tobacco stems, would that be harmful?

Chris

 

[HouseCat]

That's something I don't know, If it tasted anything like chewing tobacco, I can't imagine they would eat any of it. Nicotine, however, is one of the most lethal poisons known to man. That's why it's such a great pesticide. I've only seen pictures of these stems. I don't have any hands-on experience with them so I am unsure of the texture. I don't know if they're like little twigs or more like straw. I was hoping maybe someone had some insight.