Claire Thompson
When it comes to chicken coop bedding, there are a variety of options to choose from, including wood shavings, straw, sand, and hemp. While wood shavings are a popular choice due to their absorbency and ease of maintenance, there are concerns about the dust they create and the potential respiratory issues they may cause for chickens. Chicken keepers need to decide whether wood shavings, such as those from a wood planer, are too dusty for their chickens, considering factors such as coop size, ventilation, and the sensitivity of their chickens' respiratory systems.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Chicken coop bedding options | Wood shavings, straw, sand, hemp, hay, pine shavings, cedar shavings, wood chips, sawdust |
| Pros of wood shavings | Economical, absorbent, easy to source locally, simple to maintain |
| Cons of wood shavings | Dusty, may cause respiratory issues, time-consuming and expensive to clean frequently |
| Pros of straw | Less dusty, good insulator, easy to maintain, chickens enjoy it, promotes composting of droppings, prevents ammonia fumes |
| Cons of straw | Attracts mites, gets moldy |
| Pros of sand | Good for dust bathing, easy to clean |
| Cons of sand | Dusty, may contain e.coli pathogens, may lead to silicosis and impacted crops if ingested |
| Pros of hemp | Relatively dust-free, good for respiratory health, easy to clean, long-lasting, absorbent, odor-resistant, compostable, natural insect and fungi repellant |
| Pros of pine shavings | Dry and absorbent, good for chicken coop bedding |
| Cons of pine shavings | Dusty, may cause respiratory issues |
| Pros of cedar shavings | Free, no issues observed in some cases |
| Cons of cedar shavings | Oils can damage lungs, especially of young chickens |
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What You'll Learn
Cedar shavings are toxic to chickens
Wood shavings are a popular and common bedding option for chicken coops. They are economical, easy to source, and highly absorbent. However, not all types of wood shavings are suitable for chickens. Cedar shavings, in particular, have been a subject of debate among chicken owners due to concerns about their potential toxicity.
Cedar wood contains aromatic oils, or phenols, that give it a strong scent. These natural compounds are believed to be toxic to chickens and can potentially lead to serious health issues. The strong-smelling cedrene is thought to irritate the respiratory systems of birds, and studies on lab rats have shown similar respiratory irritation. While chickens do not live directly on their bedding like rodents, they spend a significant amount of time pecking at the ground and can be exposed to the shavings.
Some chicken owners have expressed concerns about the fumes released from cedar shavings, especially when they come into contact with moisture. Wet cedar shavings have been associated with lung irritation in small mammals, and chickens have much more sensitive respiratory systems. Additionally, chickens that spend a significant amount of time in enclosed coops with poor ventilation may be more susceptible to respiratory issues due to the dust created by bedding materials.
While some chicken owners have used cedar shavings without observing any ill effects, it is generally recommended to avoid using cedar shavings in chicken coops. Alternative bedding options, such as pine shavings, aspen shavings, straw, hemp, or sand, are considered safer choices that provide absorbency, insulation, and ease of maintenance. It is crucial to prioritize the respiratory health and overall well-being of chickens when selecting bedding materials.
To summarize, cedar shavings are generally considered toxic to chickens due to the presence of aromatic oils. The fumes and dust created by cedar shavings can irritate the respiratory systems of birds, leading to potential health risks. Chicken owners are advised to opt for alternative bedding options that are safer and less likely to cause respiratory issues.
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Hemp is a dust-free alternative
Wood shavings are a popular and economical option for chicken bedding. They are absorbent and help manage moisture from droppings. However, they require frequent maintenance to prevent them from becoming saturated or matted. Sawdust, in particular, is too fine-grained and creates too much dust, which may cause respiratory problems in chickens. Similarly, sand is dusty and can be hard to clean without creating a dust cloud.
Hemp bedding provides a soft landing for egg-laying chickens, protecting eggs from cracks and breaks. It is also sustainable, grown without the use of pesticides or herbicides, and packaged with minimal plastic. With its impressive absorption rate, hemp bedding lasts longer than traditional bedding materials, requiring less frequent changing.
Chicken owners using hemp bedding have reported a significant reduction in the smell of ammonia, making it a healthier choice for chicks. The deep litter method, where litter and droppings build up over time, can be employed with hemp bedding, and the carbon-nitrogen balance creates a beneficial environment for microbes to break down feces and leave good bacteria behind.
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Pine shavings have a strong scent
Pine shavings are a popular choice for chicken coops due to their affordability, ease of use, absorbency, and ability to control odour. However, some people have observed that pine shavings have a strong scent, which can be almost irritating to the human throat. High humidity and contact with wetness can make the smell stronger.
Pine shavings are dusty, and this dust can cause respiratory issues for chickens, especially in larger coops where chickens spend a lot of time scratching around and laying eggs. The dust can cause eye watering, nose itching, and lung pain in humans, and it is speculated that chickens with more sensitive respiratory systems may suffer long-term respiratory issues from exposure to the dust.
To minimize respiratory issues, it is recommended to use large flake shavings, which are less dusty and less likely to be accidentally consumed by chickens. Hemp is another option that is relatively dust-free and promotes respiratory health.
When pine shavings become too damp, they start to break down, releasing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, which can cause respiratory problems for chickens, including bronchitis and tracheal constriction. To maintain optimal moisture levels, aim for a moisture content of 10-15%. Check pine shavings daily, and if they feel damp or have a strong odour, it is time to change the bedding.
Some studies have also raised concerns about the potential toxicity of pine chemicals absorbed by chickens, specifically a chemical called phenol, which can cause health problems such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and organ damage. To minimize the risk of pine toxicity, alternative bedding materials can be used, or proper ventilation and cleaning practices can be implemented to reduce phenol release.
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Chicken feed can increase dust
Some chicken keepers have reported that using wood shavings, especially pine shavings, in their coops has led to increased dust. While pine shavings are popular due to their absorbency and ease of sourcing, they can be dusty, and the dust can irritate the eyes, nose, and lungs of both humans and chickens. Chicken keepers have also noted that the dust from pine shavings may contribute to respiratory issues in chickens. It is recommended to opt for larger wood shavings or flakes as they are less likely to be accidentally consumed by the chickens and create less dust. Additionally, cedar shavings should be avoided as the oils can damage the lungs of chickens.
Straw is often suggested as an alternative to wood shavings as it is less dusty, provides better insulation during cold weather, and is easy to maintain. However, straw can attract mites, which can be harmful to chickens, and it can also get moldy, making chickens sick. Hemp bedding is another option that is relatively dust-free and offers longer-lasting odour and mess control.
Chicken feed can also contribute to the overall dust levels in the coop. It is recommended to feed chickens a low-dust feed to minimise the amount of dust that bedding materials like sand can trap. Regular vacuuming of windows and other surfaces that collect dust can also help reduce dust levels in the chicken coop.
Overall, it is important for chicken keepers to be mindful of the dust levels in their coops as dust can negatively impact the respiratory health of chickens and lead to serious respiratory problems.
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Wood shavings are better than hay
Wood shavings are a popular and common bedding option for chicken coops. They are economical, easy to source locally, and simple to maintain. While wood shavings can create dust, especially when used in larger coops, there are ways to minimise this issue. Firstly, choosing large flake shavings can reduce dust and the risk of accidental consumption by chickens. Additionally, using droppings boards or other management systems to collect nightly droppings can help extend the life of the wood shavings and reduce the frequency of stirring and turning them, minimising dust creation.
On the other hand, hay is not recommended as coop bedding. Hay is too "green" and absorbent, leading to a soggy mess. It tends to harbour mould and bacteria, posing risks to poultry health. Additionally, hay is extremely fibrous and dusty, increasing the chances of respiratory issues and allergies.
When comparing wood shavings and hay, wood shavings offer better absorbency, which is crucial for managing chicken droppings. Chicken droppings are moist, and using hay can result in a stinking, slimy mess. While wood shavings require maintenance, such as stirring and turning, to prevent oversaturation, they are still a more manageable option than hay.
Wood shavings also have the advantage of being less likely to cause respiratory issues compared to hay. The dust created by wood shavings can be mitigated with proper management practices, as mentioned earlier. However, hay's inherent dustiness and ability to harbour allergens make it a less desirable choice for chicken coops.
In conclusion, wood shavings are a superior choice to hay for chicken coop bedding due to their absorbency, ease of maintenance, and reduced respiratory risks. While wood shavings may create some dust, following recommendations such as choosing large flake shavings and utilising droppings management systems can help minimise this issue.
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Frequently asked questions
Shavings from wood planers can be dusty and cause respiratory problems in chickens. It is important to ensure that the shavings are not too fine and dusty, and that they are made from safe wood types such as pine, maple, poplar, spruce, arbutus, alder, fir, and hemlock. Cedar shavings are controversial, with some sources claiming that they are toxic to chickens, while others refute this claim.
The dustiness of wood shavings depends on the type of wood and the size of the shavings. Smaller shavings tend to be dustier, while larger flake shavings are less dusty and are less likely to be accidentally consumed by chickens.
To minimise respiratory issues, avoid using sawdust as it is too fine-grained and dusty. Ensure the shavings are made from untreated and dry wood, and provide good ventilation in the coop to reduce dust accumulation.
Yes, alternative bedding options include hemp, which is relatively dust-free and offers easy clean-up, or straw, which is an excellent insulator for cold weather. Sand can also be used, but it requires more frequent cleaning to prevent dust accumulation and the build-up of droppings.
