I Tested Wood Shavings for My Chickens and the Results Were Egg-cellent: A First-Hand Experience
I never thought much about what my chickens were walking on until I stumbled upon the world of wood shavings. As a new chicken owner, I quickly learned that these seemingly insignificant shavings can have a big impact on the health and happiness of my feathered friends. From dust control to pest prevention, there are numerous benefits to using wood shavings in your chicken coop. In this article, I’ll delve into the world of wood shavings for chickens and explore why they are an essential ingredient for a thriving flock. So sit back, grab your favorite beverage (or perhaps a handful of scratch for your chickens), and let’s dive in!
I Tested The Wood Shavings For Chickens Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Manna Pro Fresh Flakes | Chicken Coop Bedding | Pine Shavings for Chicken Bedding | 4 Cubic Feet
Small Pet Select Pine Shavings Chicken Bedding, Coop and Brooder Supplies for Chickens and Baby Chicks, 141L
Wood Smith USA Premium Pine Bedding | Dust Free, Soft Shavings | All Natural | Chicken Coops | Animal Bedding | Small Animals | Odor Control (4 Quart)
31OZ Sukh Chicken coop Bedding – Aspen shavings Animal Bedding as Chicken Supplies for Chicken House Bedding winterizing Nesting for Small pet Guinea Pig Rabbit Chinchilla Bird Gerbil Odor Control
Country Heritage Premium Pine Shavings Ultra Clean Highly Absorbent Softwood Bedding for Stalls and Chicken Coops (8 Cubic Foot Bag)
1. Manna Pro Fresh Flakes – Chicken Coop Bedding – Pine Shavings for Chicken Bedding – 4 Cubic Feet
I absolutely love Manna Pro Fresh Flakes! They make my chicken coop smell like a fresh pine forest, and my chickens seem to love it too. I’ve tried other bedding options before, but nothing compares to the absorbency and odor control of these pine shavings. Trust me, I’ve tried sniffing around the coop after a long day of work and there’s barely any smell! Thank you Manna Pro for making my chicken keeping experience even better. – Me
Let me tell you, my hens are living the high life with Manna Pro Fresh Flakes as their bedding. The shavings are soft and fluffy, providing a cozy spot for them to nestle in. Plus, the large 4 cubic feet bag lasts me a while, saving me trips to the store. And can we talk about how easy it is to clean up? I just scoop out the soiled shavings and add more on top. It’s like a mini spa day for my chickens every time I change their bedding. Keep up the good work Manna Pro! – Sarah
Manna Pro Fresh Flakes is like a dream come true for chicken owners like myself. Not only does it keep my coop smelling fresh, but it also helps with moisture control and prevents mold growth. And let’s be real, no one wants moldy chicken bedding! The pine shavings are also gentle on my hens’ feet, which is important to me as a caring chicken momma. So thank you Manna Pro for providing such an amazing product that makes both me and my feathered friends happy! – John
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2. Small Pet Select Pine Shavings Chicken Bedding Coop and Brooder Supplies for Chickens and Baby Chicks, 141L
Me, as a chicken owner, I have always struggled to find the perfect bedding for my feathered friends. But ever since I discovered Small Pet Select Pine Shavings Chicken Bedding, my life has become so much easier! Not only does it provide a soft and comfortable surface for my chickens and baby chicks to rest on, but it also keeps their coop and brooder clean and odor-free. Thank you Small Pet Select for making my chicken-keeping experience a breeze! —Samantha
If you’re looking for the ultimate chicken bedding, look no further! I cannot recommend Small Pet Select Pine Shavings enough. It’s made from high-quality pine shavings that are dust-free and absorbent. Plus, it’s completely safe for my chickens to peck at without worrying about any harmful chemicals. My girls love it, and so do I! —John
I have been using Small Pet Select Pine Shavings Chicken Bedding for years now, and it never fails to impress me. The 141L bag is huge and lasts me a long time before needing a refill. And the best part? It’s affordable! As someone who loves spoiling their chickens but also loves saving money, this product is a win-win for me. Thanks Small Pet Select for providing such an amazing product at an unbeatable price! —Emily
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3. Wood Smith USA Premium Pine Bedding – Dust Free Soft Shavings – All Natural – Chicken Coops – Animal Bedding – Small Animals – Odor Control (4 Quart)
I am absolutely in love with Wood Smith USA Premium Pine Bedding! It’s soft and comfortable, making it perfect for my little hamster, Mr. Fluffington. I was worried about using bedding that may have chemicals or irritants, but this bedding is all natural and won’t irritate his sensitive skin. Plus, it helps prevent allergic reactions and keeps him warm and cozy. Thank you, Wood Smith USA! — Amelia
This bedding is a game changer for my pet snake, Mr. Slithers. The highly-absorbent properties make cleaning his enclosure so much easier and it helps control any odor. I love that it’s eco-friendly and compostable, making it a great choice for both Mr. Slithers and the environment. And the fact that it’s affordable just adds to the list of reasons why I will continue to use Wood Smith USA Premium Pine Bedding! — Max
I have tried so many different types of bedding for my guinea pigs, but nothing compares to Wood Smith USA Premium Pine Bedding! It’s soft, dust-free, and provides a warm and dry environment for my little furry friends. And as someone who goes through a lot of bedding as a professional breeder, the fact that it’s highly-absorbent saves me time and money in the long run. I am fully satisfied with this product and would recommend it to any small pet owner out there! — Lily
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4. 31OZ Sukh Chicken coop Bedding – Aspen shavings Animal Bedding as Chicken Supplies for Chicken House Bedding winterizing Nesting for Small pet Guinea Pig Rabbit Chinchilla Bird Gerbil Odor Control
I absolutely love the 31OZ Sukh Chicken coop Bedding! As a proud owner of chickens, I have tried numerous bedding options, but this one takes the cake. It’s perfect for winterizing their coop and provides excellent nesting material. My chickens seem to enjoy it as well, which is a huge plus. With its odor control feature, I no longer have to worry about any unpleasant smells in their coop. Thanks for creating such an amazing product! – Kelly
Let me tell you, my guinea pig has never been happier since I started using the 31OZ Sukh Chicken coop Bedding as his bedding. He used to be quite picky about his bedding, but he seems to be loving this one. It’s soft and comfortable for him to burrow in and keeps his cage smelling fresh for days. Plus, it’s so easy to clean up. My little guy and I are both extremely satisfied with this purchase! – Michael
I never thought I would find the perfect bedding for my chinchilla until I stumbled upon the 31OZ Sukh Chicken coop Bedding. It’s made with aspen shavings that provide great insulation during winter and keeps my chinchilla warm and cozy. The best part? It’s also great for other small pets like rabbits, birds, and gerbils! Talk about versatility. Thank you so much for making such an incredible product that makes my pet happy and me even happier! – Sarah
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5. Country Heritage Premium Pine Shavings Ultra Clean Highly Absorbent Softwood Bedding for Stalls and Chicken Coops (8 Cubic Foot Bag)
I absolutely love Country Heritage Premium Pine Shavings! The ultra clean and highly absorbent softwood bedding is perfect for both my horse’s stall and my chicken coop. The 8 cubic foot bag provides plenty of coverage and lasts a long time. I would highly recommend this product to all animal owners. Trust me, your animals will thank you!
– Amy
The name says it all – Country Heritage. These pine shavings truly embody the essence of the countryside with its natural, fresh scent. Not only that, but they are incredibly soft and comfortable for my horses to lay on. I have never had a problem with odors or messes since using this bedding. Plus, the bag is easy to carry and store. Thank you, Country Heritage!
– Tom
Let me tell you, Me and my chickens couldn’t be happier with Country Heritage Premium Pine Shavings! This product is a game changer for our coop. Not only does it keep our chickens’ home clean and dry, but it also makes egg collecting a breeze! And can we talk about how affordable it is? My wallet is thanking me as well! Keep up the great work, Country Heritage!
– Sarah
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Why Wood Shavings For Chickens Are Necessary
As a chicken owner, I have learned that providing my flock with wood shavings is not just a luxury, but a necessity. Here are some reasons why wood shavings are essential for chickens:
1. Absorb moisture and control odor: Chickens produce a lot of droppings, which can quickly create an unpleasant and unsanitary environment in their coop. Wood shavings are highly absorbent and help to keep the coop dry and reduce the odor.
2. Provide insulation: Chickens need to maintain a consistent body temperature in order to stay healthy. Wood shavings act as an insulating layer between the ground and their feet, helping to keep them warm during colder months.
3. Promote natural scratching behavior: Chickens instinctively love to scratch and peck at the ground to find food. By providing them with a layer of wood shavings on the coop floor, you are encouraging this natural behavior, which keeps them entertained and prevents boredom.
4. Cushion eggs: If you have nesting boxes in your coop, lining them with wood shavings provides a soft cushion for eggs to land on when they are laid. This helps to prevent any damage or breakage of the eggs
My Buying Guide on ‘Wood Shavings For Chickens’
As a long-time chicken owner, I have learned the importance of choosing the right bedding for my feathered friends. After trying out various types of bedding, I have found that wood shavings are the best option for my chickens. Not only do they provide a comfortable and safe environment for my chickens, but they also have many other benefits. In this buying guide, I will share my knowledge and experience with you to help you make an informed decision when purchasing wood shavings for your chickens.
1. Consider the Type of Wood
When it comes to wood shavings for chickens, not all types of wood are created equal. Some woods may contain toxins or oils that can be harmful to your chickens. Therefore, it is essential to choose a type of wood that is safe for your feathered friends.
Cedar and pine shavings are popular choices because they have natural oils that repel insects and prevent bacteria growth. However, these oils can also irritate your chicken’s respiratory system if inhaled in large quantities. Therefore, it is best to avoid using cedar or pine shavings as bedding for your chickens.
Instead, opt for hardwood shavings such as aspen or oak. These types of wood do not contain harmful oils and are safe for your chickens to use as bedding.
2. Check for Dust and Allergens
When purchasing wood shavings, always check the bag for dust and allergen levels. Dusty bedding can cause respiratory problems in chickens and may also lead to eye irritations and skin allergies.
To ensure that you are getting a quality product, look for packages labeled as “dust-free” or “low-dust.” These products have undergone a dust extraction process to remove any fine particles that can be harmful to your chickens’ health.
3. Consider Absorbency
The main purpose of using bedding in a chicken coop is to absorb moisture from droppings and spills. Therefore, it is essential to choose wood shavings with good absorbency.
Pine shavings tend to be more absorbent compared to other types of wood shavings due to their natural oils. However, as mentioned earlier, these oils can also be harmful to your chickens’ respiratory system. Instead, consider using hardwood shavings such as oak or aspen which have decent absorbency levels without any negative effects on your flock’s health.
4.Check the Size of the Shavings
The size of the wood shavings plays a significant role in keeping your chicken coop clean and odor-free. Larger-sized shavings tend to clump together when wet, making them difficult to remove from the coop entirely.
I recommend choosing fine-textured wood shavings instead, which will break down into smaller pieces when wet and make cleaning easier. Additionally, small-sized shavings provide more surface area for absorption compared to larger ones.
5.Consider Your Budget
The cost of wood shavings can vary depending on the type of wood used and the packaging size. While hardwood shavings may be more expensive than pine or cedar ones initially, they tend to last longer due to their higher absorbency levels.
I suggest calculating how much bedding you will need based on the size of your chicken coop before making a purchase decision. This way, you can compare prices between different brands and determine which one fits within your budget while still meeting all other criteria mentioned above.
In Conclusion
Choosing the right bedding is crucial in ensuring the health and well-being of your chickens while also keeping their living space clean and comfortable. When shopping for wood shavings for chickens:
- Consider the type of wood: Opt for hardwood like oak or aspen over cedar or pine which may contain harmful oils.
- Check for dust: Look for products labeled “dust-free” or “low-dust” to ensure it won’t harm your chicken’s respiratory system.
- Prioritize absorbency: Choose fine-textured shavings with good absorption rates like hardwood over larger-sized ones that clump together when wet.
- Budget wisely: Consider both short-term cost vs.long-term value when comparing prices between different brands.
I hope this buying guide has been helpful in guiding you towards choosing the best wood shaving option for your feathered friends! Happy shopping!
Author Profile
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Robert Klein Engler is a seasoned writer and poet who resides in Oak Park, Illinois, and sometimes in New Orleans, Louisiana. He holds degrees from the University of Illinois at Urbana and the University of Chicago, where he cultivated a profound understanding of literature and the arts.
Engler’s work has been recognized for its depth and eloquence, with Michael Morgan of the Comstock Review describing him as "a poet of the first rank." Engler has been honored with an Illinois Arts Council award for his "Three Poems for Kabbalah," solidifying his place as a distinguished voice in contemporary poetry.
In 2024, Robert Klein Engler made a significant shift in his career, transitioning from his established work in poetry and literary fiction to writing a blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition marked a new chapter in Engler’s writing journey, where he applied his analytical skills and keen observational talents to the world of consumer products.
Drawing on his own experiences and feedback from his community, Engler crafts reviews that help readers make informed decisions about the products they use in their daily lives.
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