Can You Use Pine Shavings for Chickens? 

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When it comes to creating a healthy and comfortable environment for backyard chickens, choosing the right bedding is one of the most important decisions for chicken owners. Among the various chicken bedding materials available, pine shavings are a popular option. But are pine shavings the best bedding option for your flock? Let’s explore the pros and cons of pine shavings, potential alternatives, and what chicken keepers need to know to maintain the health of their chickens.

Pros of Pine Shavings

1. Affordable and Accessible: Pine shavings are widely available at feed stores, local farm stores, and pet stores. They come in large bags, making them a cost-effective choice for many chicken keepers.
2. Good Absorbency: Pine shavings are more absorbent bedding types compared to some alternatives, which helps with droppings management and keeps the coop drier.
3. Natural Resistance: Pine wood shavings contain natural aromatic compounds that can help reduce pests in the chicken coop.
4. Compostable: Used pine shavings mixed with chicken poop can be added to a compost pile, turning waste into valuable organic material for gardening. I put my used pine shavings in my garden every year.
5. Soft and Comfortable: Pine shavings provide a soft bedding material that chickens enjoy scratching and nesting in, making it a great choice for nesting boxes.
6. Widely Used: A lot of people consider pine shavings a tried-and-true bedding option that has been used for a long time.

​Cons of Pine Shavings

1. Respiratory Issues: Pine shavings can release fine dust particles, which may cause respiratory problems in chickens, especially in smaller coops or poorly ventilated spaces.
2. Freshness Concerns: The aromatic compounds in fresh pine bedding can be too strong for baby chicks and may lead to respiratory disease if used in excess or without proper ventilation.
3. Regular Maintenance: While pine shavings are absorbent, they require cleaning every week to prevent buildup of chicken poop, odor, and moisture.
4. Potential Toxicity: Pine shaving toxicity is a debated topic. Though pine shavings are generally safe, poorly processed or low-quality shavings might contain harmful aromatic compounds.

My Experience with Pine Shavings

From my point of view, pine shavings have been a reliable and practical choice for my chicken coop. I’ve been using them for a long time because they’re easily available at my local feed store, affordable, and simple to manage. The chickens seem to enjoy the softness of the bedding, especially in their nesting boxes, and it’s effective at controlling moisture and odors.

One of the main reasons I stick with pine shavings is how well they work with my droppings management system. I clean the coop on a bi-weekly basis, and the absorbency of the shavings makes this process straightforward. I’ve also found that used pine shavings decompose well in my compost pile, adding valuable organic material to my garden.

However, I’ve made sure to prioritize ventilation in the coop to minimize dust particles and avoid respiratory issues for my flock. While I’ve heard about potential pine shavings toxicity, I’ve had no problems with the health of my chickens so far. For me, pine shavings have been the best choice for maintaining a healthy and comfortable environment for my backyard chickens

Alternatives to Pine Shavings

For those looking for better options or alternatives to pine shavings, there are several materials to consider.

1. Hemp Bedding
   • Hemp bedding is an excellent choice for chicken bedding material. It is highly absorbent, contains little dust, and lasts a long time. While it can be more expensive, it’s a great option for chicken keepers focused on maintaining healthy chickens.
2. Aspen Shavings
   • Aspen shavings are another natural and organic bedding alternative. They are a good idea for chicken owners concerned about the aromatic compounds in pine or cedar shavings.
3. Wood Chips
   • Coarser than pine shavings, wood chips are a great way to manage droppings in larger coops or outdoor runs. They are durable but might not be as comfortable for nesting.
4. Pine Needles
   • Pine needles can be a natural and organic bedding option if you have access to them. They’re free if you’re near a local farmer or have pine trees, but they might not absorb moisture as well as other materials.
5. Grass Clippings
   • Fresh or dried grass clippings are a good bedding material for a compost pile but may need frequent changing due to quick decomposition.
6. Sand
   • Coarse construction-grade sand or mortar sand is a great choice for chicken coop litter in colder months. Sand doesn’t retain moisture, making it easier to clean on a daily basis.
7. Paper Products
   • Shredded paper or cardboard can be a cheap and accessible bedding option. However, it’s not as absorbent and may need replacement frequently.

Avoid Cedar Shavings

Cedar shavings are not recommended as chicken bedding. They emit strong aromatic compounds that can cause respiratory problems and irritation in chickens, especially in confined spaces.

Bedding Strategies: Deep Litter Method

Some chicken keepers use the deep litter method, which involves layering bedding material over time and allowing it to compost within the coop. Pine shavings are a good bedding for this method, as they break down slowly and mix well with chicken poop to create compost. This method works best in well-ventilated coops and during winter months when additional insulation is beneficial.

Tips for Choosing the Best Chicken Coop Bedding

• Ventilation: Always ensure good ventilation in the coop to minimize dust and odor, especially when using pine shavings.
• Coop Size: For very large coops, wood chips or hemp bedding might be a better option.
• Baby Chicks: Avoid strong-smelling and small, fine bedding for baby chicks to protect their developing respiratory system.
• Flake Size: Opt for large pine flakes instead of small, fine shavings to reduce dust and improve the health of your flock.
• Local Availability: Consider what bedding materials are readily available at your local feed store or farm supply store.

Bottom Line

While pine shavings are a great option for many chicken keepers, they’re not the only thing to consider when choosing bedding for your flock. Factors like coop size, ventilation, and the health of your flock should guide your decision. Hemp bedding, aspen shavings, or sand might be a better option for those looking for an alternative to pine bedding. With a little research and thoughtful consideration, you can create a comfortable bedding system that keeps your backyard chickens happy and healthy.

What questions do you have? Let me know in the comments!

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Related Posts:
Best Bedding for Chickens in the Winter
Essential Guide to Feeding Baby Chicks
Keeping Gnats out of Your Chicken Coop
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