[Justin]

As mentioned elsewhere, we'll be starting to keep chickens in the next few weeks. Readying the books etc is suggests wood shavings as the best bedding, could I use chainsaw chippings instead as I generally have quite a lot of those from processing logs etc. I usually have a few dustbins full, they're dry and clean and don't have dust/sawdust. Just wondered if they'd be suitable. Currently we use them as browns for the compost head/tumbler.

[Womble]

Yes, we've done that in the past. It's not the best bedding in the world (Hemcore or Aubiose horse bedding is better), but since hens perch above the bedding rather than sleeping in it, it works well enough.  You'll find that they do quite a lot of pooing in their sleep, so you'll end up with a pile of poo under each perching spot. The wood chips just help to dry that up a bit and make it easy to shovel up.

[Small Plot Big Ideas]

We also do the same thing but I'm careful not include to shavings from any treated wood just in case of problems.


It definitely gives the chicken house a lovely fresh woodland smell which is preferably...

[regen]

Dont forget that most of the oil used to lubricate the chain ends up in the chippings!

Regen

[Justin]

I'd thought about that, I use the bio oil so hopefully that wouldn't be an issue in small quantities.

[JEP]

we used this it is very good lasts a lot longer
it was from a wood yard cutting trees up
i would use it

[Steph Hen]

I do this, no problems here.

[Justin]

great to know, thanks.