Using Local Bedding Materials - Hawaii

[minus10gmt]

Hi - I'm looking for ideas for bedding that I don't have to purchase. Living in the country, in Hawaii, and currently have the 12-day old chicks in a home built brooder in the garage, until they're ready for different accommodations.

Currently using purchased pine shavings (about 2" deep) but everything is expensive here. I have had those shavings in the brooder space (about 4'x3') now for over a week. The bottom of the brooder is old plywood - still very dry under the shavings. Lots of visible dried chick poops but nothing smelly, nothing wet looking or nasty at all. I do want to change it out soon. Here are lists of free things I have access to locally, so if anyone has an opinion on these materials, or an addition to these ideas, I'd appreciate it! Combinations that work also great. Want to avoid anything toxic of course, like cedar.

• Eucalyptus leaves (Red Gum aka Camaldulensis). Has a very light scent if I crush the leaves, not sure if toxic to chicks.
• Ironwood (Casuarina) pine needles - also not sure if toxic.
• Yard dirt (beach sand is not close by)
• Newspaper - either whole or hand-ripped (no shredder)
• Large cardboard pieces
• Computer paper (again, no shredder, so hand ripped)

 

[Ponte]

Have you considered dried wild grass.

 

[minus10gmt]

Have you considered dried wild grass.

I thought about that but this is a fairly damp environment here and didn’t think I could dry the grass very efficiently without mold or a lot of space.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I'd be worried about eucalyptus as it's fairly fragrant and toxic to dogs at least, not sure about chickens. Depending on the variety it can cause skin irritation as well. Had to look up what ironwood pine is... pine needles are fine for chickens but ironwood is not a true pine, so also don't know about that.

Paper type materials might need to be mixed with other things, though I've seen some people say that they use it. Hope someone will pipe in if they use and how they manage it.

For other options, are wood chips (not shavings) naturally available there from tree service companies for example, and if so, what types of wood might be in it? Any sort of natural source of straw like materials?

I get wanting to source your own bedding for cost and efficiency. I use wood chips from my own trees, and in the run wood chips, dried grass and leaves, all from my lot. The only thing I buy is shavings for nest boxes and that's just 1 bag every year and a half or so.

 

[minus10gmt]

I'd be worried about eucalyptus as it's fairly fragrant and toxic to dogs at least, not sure about chickens. Depending on the variety it can cause skin irritation as well. Had to look up what ironwood pine is... pine needles are fine for chickens but ironwood is not a true pine, so also don't know about that.

I totally get this and share the concern. I’m hoping someone from Hawaii that knows this eucalyptus will chime in, too. It is not fragrant and my dog has chewed the sticks at times, but seems absolutely fine.

As for wood chips, most of the trees being taken down here would be of the same type. Straw would also have to be purchased (it’s shipped in). We have unique challenges!

 

[123RedBeard]

My first guess was something from the coffee trees or bean ... but only a guess ... are you on the Kona side?

Have you checked out your state's thread of other islander's? https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/any-other-hawaiians-out-there.117644/

 

[minus10gmt]

My first guess was something from the coffee trees or bean ... but only a guess ... are you on the Kona side?

Thanks but no, not really too close to Kona - more on the north side. At least an hour's drive away. I'd have to connect with someone that has coffee, for that.

Have you checked out your state's thread of other islander's?

Yes, definitely! I think there are a few people around here at this higher elevation, but most are not. There are like 11 climate zones here on the Big Island - sounds like you've been here. So, things like this are very dependent on your location. I'll probably stick with the pine shavings until they're able to live outside. If I can buy in a larger package when I get over to Kona or Hilo, I can save some $.

 

[ChickNanny13]

Kohala?
Dels (Hilo) sell 3.25cu ft compressed $14, one fills my Chicken House which is 8x12x7, dirt floor, 2" deep but then I add another cause I like it fluffy. I do pick up the big stuff, have a poop board w/PDZ about 1/2" deep under their nite roost & scoop poop daily. Rarely change it out, just keep adding, when it does get soaked I remove & dry out on a tarp in the patio with fan, reuse. When I do decide to change out, I use the old stuff around the yard ... maybe once a year?

I have a brooder 3x8x2 with plywood bottom which is painted with several coats of latex paint. I dust it with DE lightly & sprinkle PDZ before adding a layer of pine shavings. Never have repainted the floor yet (4yrs) ... When chicks are in it, I use long tongs & pick out the big stuff, they move out to the CH when they're about 9 - 10wks. To clean in-between chicks, I spray with Lysol, with a plastic scraper loosen anything that stuck, then wipe (rags that can be rinsed off in-between). I do it about 2x (til I'm satisfied) them sprinkle with DE.

I would not use the Eucalyptus leaves nor Ironwood needles ... anything sappy or with any fragrance. Newspaper I wouldn't due to the ink that's use & that includes computer paper. Sand gets heavy & don't think our beach sand is good due to the salt from the ocean. Stick with the pine shavings, call around the feed stores in your area or make a trip to Kona or Hilo for your supplies, we got Dels & Miranda's.

Also I ferment their feed, starting off with smallest bag of Chick Starter then change to Flock Raiser, adding a separate dish of Oyster Shells when they start laying), have grit in a separate dish all the time, mine are confined for their safety (dogs).

 

[minus10gmt]

I do pick up the big stuff, have a poop board w/PDZ about 1/2" deep under their nite roost & scoop poop daily. Rarely change it out, just keep adding, when it does get soaked I remove & dry out on a tarp in the patio with fan, reuse. When I do decide to change out, I use the old stuff around the yard ... maybe once a year?

Thanks, this is great info. Based on your recommendation, I'm going to add a poop board under my roost in the big coop, we haven't had it before but I think it'll be great. I put the used pine shavings and chicken manure into my longer-term compost and boy do my veggies LOVE it.

Stick with the pine shavings, call around the feed stores in your area or make a trip to Kona or Hilo for your supplies, we got Dels & Miranda's.

Yes, thanks again, I'm just going to stick with the pine shavings and stock up on trips to Kona or Hilo. Works for me. Was just hoping there would be something I could use around here but, nothing yet. If I come across any ideas, though, I'll share.

Also I ferment their feed, starting off with smallest bag of Chick Starter then change to Flock Raiser, adding a separate dish of Oyster Shells when they start laying), have grit in a separate dish all the time, mine are confined for their safety (dogs).

Wish I'd started that way since they've rejected the fermented feed so far, after starting on dry. I'll reintroduce it soon, because the bigger older hens loved the stuff the chicks rejected, they mopped it up! I do scatter grit for the chicks, but I think I'll do as you suggest and keep it available constantly.

So appreciate you sharing your local and general knowledge, really helpful!

 

[ChickNanny13]

Never had chicks turn their nose up to FF ... If you started & went to dry then tried FF again...remove the dry & they'll eat when their hungry. All it takes is one or to trying and the rest will follow. I toss dry feed as a "treat" when I close them up, gives them something to scratch for, mix the shaving around and occupy their time until it gets dark.

My poop board was an after thought, hadn't read about it until after we built the Chicken House. Makes cleaning minimal and easy. Best of wishes and enjoy. Glad you joined the BYC site, so much info and great members that are experienced and helpful.