Do you know pine shavings are one of the best bedding used for chickens?
But why and how it is used? Let’s find out the answer.
Most chicken raisers worry about using pine shavings in their chicken bedding. But pine shavings are one of the best coop bedding available.
They are crucial for maintaining a healthy and comfortable environment inside the chicken coop.
Proper bedding is most important in a chicken coop to provide insulation and reduce moisture, odor elimination, and cleanliness. This reduces the risk of diseases and parasites.
Pine shavings keep the coop surface dry and clean. Moreover, it provides a pleasant and manageable life for flocks.
In this guide, we have explained the benefits of using pine shaving in chicken coops.
Moreover, we will compare pine shavings with other coop bedding and conclude which bedding is best for your chickens.
What are Pine Shavings?
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Pine shavings are the byproducts and residuals obtained from the wood industries. They have a thin, flat, and curvy appearance.
They come from sawmills. Sawmills turn wood logs into boards. They produce plenty of wood shavings. The shavings are big in amount.
The shavings are then gathered. Afterward, they are cleaned and dried. This removes moisture left over. The dried shavings are soft to use as bedding.
They are used for various purposes. The most common uses of pine shavings are:
1. Pine shavings can keep the soil moist and cool, they also stop weeds. They can balance nitrogen in compost, making good fertilizer.
2. Pine shavings absorb mess and smell in chicken coops and pens. They are soft and dry, which is good for chickens, small birds, and horses beds.
3. Pine shavings can be used in craft projects. These shavings with oils make scented bags for closets and drawers.
4. Pine shavings soak up spills, they work well for oil in garages. They can be compressed with wax. This makes fire starters that work well in fireplaces and fire pits.
5. Besides, chickens, cows, and sheep use shavings for bedding. They keep animals cozy and clean. Shavings insulate the roots of delicate crops and prevent soils from washing away.
6. Pine shavings are also bio-packing materials. They cushion fragile items when shipping. In factories, shavings soak up oil spills. Spread them over spills to stop spreading.
7. Shavings stabilize soil and help plants grow. Use them in places where erosion is common. Pine shavings are used to filter water and air from dirt.
Types of Pine Shavings
There are 3 types of pine shavings. Each one has a feature that fits different ages and sizes of chickens. They are:
Fine Pine Shavings: They are small, powdery, and soft. Great at soaking up liquids. Good for tiny birds and baby chicks. But can cause dust problems because of very fine particle size.
Coarse Pine Shavings: They are bigger and rougher. Still soak up well, but let air through. Good for adult chickens. Less dust and safer for the lungs.
Flake Pine Shavings: They are a mix of fine and coarse. Gentle yet airy and supple. Fine for both adult, pullet, and baby chickens. They soak up moisture and allow some airflow. They are soft, absorbent, and have little dust.
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How to Use Pine Shavings in Your Coop?
Here are step-by-step guides to using pine shavings in your chicken coop:
Prep the Coop Before Spreading Pine Shavings:
Start by removing the old bedding. Clean the coop by scrubbing down its surfaces. Finally, let it dry completely.
Ensure the coop has no damage at all. Ventilate it well to reduce moisture and ammonia fumes.
Depth of Pine Shavings:
Start with 2 to 4 inches. Adequate cushioning and absorbency. Increase in colder months for insulation.
Spread evenly across the coop floor and under perches. Provide about 1 to 2 inches in nesting boxes.
Everyday Maintenance:
Daily clean chicken poops, wet spots, and soiled areas. Fluff and turn to aerate. Remove droppings and spills daily to keep the coop clean.
Turn on bedding regularly to control smells and moisture.
Depth of Pine Shavings:
Start with 2 to 4 inches of pine shavings bedding. Keep adequate cushioning and absorbency. Increase the dept in colder months for insulation.
Spread evenly across the coop floor. Mainly spread across corners and under perches.
Provide about 1 to 2 inches in nesting boxes.
Maintenance Tips:
Everyday Maintenance: Daily clean droppings, wet spots, and soiled areas. Fluff and turn to aerate. Remove droppings and spills daily to keep the coop clean. Turn on bedding regularly to control smells and moisture.
Weekly Cleaning of The Coop: Add fresh shavings on top of dirty ones weekly or biweekly. Check for wet areas and compacted areas.
Monthly maintenance: Once a month remove all the bedding. Disinfect and air dry the coop before putting in new shavings.
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Pine Shavings Vs Other Materials (Charts)
Below, you will find detailed comparison between the pine shavings and other bedding materials:
1. Pine Shavings vs. Straw
| Feature | Pine Shavings | Straw |
| Absorbency | Pine shavings absorb moisture quickly. They reduce odors well. | Straw doesn’t soak up wetness as well as pine shavings do. |
| Comfort | Pine shavings give soft surfaces for chickens to stand on. | Straw is less soft. It is not very cozy. |
| Insulation | They help keep chickens warm in winter. | Straw doesn’t trap heat like pine shavings do. |
| Odor Control | Pine shavings stop bad smells from building up. | Straw doesn’t keep odors away too much. It needs cleaning often. |
| Cost and Availability | Pine shavings cost less and can be found easily. | Straw can be found widely in farms. It varies seasonally. |
| Comparison | Pine shavings are the best for the whole coop. They soak up moisture and smell. | Straw works best for nesting. It adds warmth in summer. |
| Maintenance | Pine shavings are easier to handle, fewer times you need changing them out. | Straw needs frequent changing to maintain cleanliness and odor control. |
2. Pine Shavings vs. Sand
| Feature | Pine Shavings | Sand |
| Absorbency | Pine shavings are very absorbent, which deodorizes and manages moisture. | Sand has poor absorbency; raking frequently is needed for pooling liquids. |
| Comfort | Softness and texture provide comfort and avoid foot injuries. | Hard and rough textures may cause discomfort to chickens’ feet. |
| Insulation | Good insulation helps chickens remain warm in colder weather. | No insulation makes it hot in summer and cold in winter. |
| Odor Control | Natural properties reduce the smell considerably. | Poorly managed odors require regular cleaning or replacing sand. |
| Cost and Maintenance | Usually economical, though price varies depending on location. | High initial costs plus maintenance expenses add up. |
| Use Case | Pine shavings work better for bedding because they’re more absorbent and comfortable, thus promoting chicken health. | Sand suits run or under roosts. |
3. Pine Shavings vs. Other Wood Shavings (e.g., Cedar, Aspen)
| Feature | Pine Shavings | Cedar Shavings |
| Absorbency | Very absorbent; strong moisture and odor control capabilities. | Less absorbent than pine; may not control moisture well. |
| Comfort | Soft texture which offers comfort and prevents injury on feet. | It can irritate some animals, including chickens. |
| Insulation | Insulation: Works as an insulator. | No significant insulation properties. |
| Odor Control | Reduces odors due to its natural properties. | Smell masks odors but doesn’t eliminate them. |
| Cost and Availability | Cost-effective and widely available. | Same as pine shavings, but hard to find. |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic and safe for chickens. | Harmful to chickens when ingested or inhaled. |
Summary
Pine shavings are the best bedding for chickens. They absorb moisture and odors well.
The soft texture prevents foot injuries. In colder months, they provide warmth. They control odors, thus keeping the coop pleasant.
Compared to straw and sand, pine shavings are better. Straw is good for nesting boxes, but not as bedding.
Sand does not absorb moisture or provide comfort. Cedar is harmful to chickens; hence pine is safer.
Pine shavings are affordable and efficient for chicken coops. They offer moisture management, comfort, warmth, and odor control.
Using them ensures a healthier chicken environment. This leads to happiness and productivity. For every chicken keeper, pine shavings are reliable bedding.
