Why must bedding be soft wood shavings?

[PAChickenChick]

The toxin that a Walnut tree gives off is called Juglone.
It is most concentrated in the roots but is found in the leaves, nut shell and wood (shavings) of the whole tree.
When it's in the leaves, shells, ect...it loses it's potency the longer it is exposed to air. If you were to use the shavings as mulch for your garden you couldn't put it by tomato plants for two months.

I can't seem to find any information on the effects of it against chickens...but it might be similar to cedar...that as it sits it becomes less a threat.

I'll keep looking and if I happen upon anything...I'll let you know

 

[cmcgoun]

also make sure he dosent use treated lumber, that will HARM the chickens!

 

[patandchickens]

I don't actually know about walnut shavings and chickens, but given the massive problems they can cause in horses I would not want to be the first one on my block to try 'em on chickens.

Pat

 

[spook]

The only thing I know is to not allow your cows to bed on hard wood shavings as it will harbor bacteria and cause sores and mastitis in the udder...aka, yucky and pitiful udders.
Ceder sawdust for cats and dogs, you can add it to their bedding and it will prevent fleas and your house will smell nice if you like the smell of ceder.
We use pine shavings- Pine tree tassel is our state flower...