Pine Chips & needles in nest box?

[caroline]

I have the offer of a whole pickup load of small wood chips mixed with some pine needles. I usually put a layer of wood shavings in the bottom of each nest box and then give the doe lots of hay to build the rest of the nest with. Is there any reason I couldn't use the chips, which are pretty finely ground, instead of the wood shavings?

 

[MamaSheepdog]

They might not be as absorbent. Pine needles are often used as a deterrent to mites in chicken houses, and wild rabbits eat them, so they shouldn't be a problem either. If the chips don't work well in the nest, they would be great to spread underneath the cages or used to mulch your plants.

 

[caroline]

Yes, I agree about the possibility of less absorbancy.
I just didn't want to be doing something harmful to the kits.
Harmful to mites would be a good thing

 

[OneAcreFarm]

You could always *try* with one and see...

 

[Bill]

Will they be dried? If they are coming straight from a chipper or stump grinder they could have turpentine mixed in and cause sticky bunnies.

 

[caroline]

Will they be dried? If they are coming straight from a chipper or stump grinder they could have turpentine mixed in and cause sticky bunnies.

Well I just got back from the site where the tree was being taken down and shredded. They are VERY fresh and aromatic too. I kind of like the smell but wonder if it will be too strong for new born kits' lung health. Not sure. I filled a dozen empty feed sacks and now have them leaning up against the wall in the barn with the tops open. I'm considering emptying one onto a drying rack to see how long it takes to "dry" not sure when/if/how I will use. I'm going to give it some thought.

 

[skysthelimit]

good idea. i bet that smells good. i am a big fan of pine sol.