would it be ok to put my chicks in pine needles?

[chloemama]

I'm not sure this is the right forum - but I was wondering if pine needles are ok for chicks/hens. When they are ready to go out I plan on having their run on the edge of the yard. We have loads of pine trees. I don't know what variety they are... long trunks then branches at the top.

Anywho- I don't want to hurt the chickens and I haven't been able to find anything on pine needles only pine shavings.

Thank you

 

[Uzuri]

I've got a friend who keeps her chickens under some large pines -- they're quite happy and healthy.

I don't think I'd brood chicks on them, if only because they'd be sticky.

 

[pacetruckguy]

I don't think it would hurt them. I have been thinking of filling the bottom of my run with oak leaves. I have been useing pine shavings but we have been getting huge amounts of rain for the last week or so. I put some tarps over the top of the run, but still it's beginnig to get really muddy in there. No matter what you use they are going to scrath to the dirt to look for food.

 

[chloemama]

Great- I plan on raking out a big area in front of the coop and covering that with a tarp or canvas, something to shade it and keep it dryer. Then the rest of the area just leave as it is so they can peck about and find whatever. There enclosed are is roughly 20x20 so they will have tons of room. I also plan on letting them cruise the grasser areas when I am outside this summer.

Thank you