Chickens

[kev7937]

I know there must be a few on here who keep chickens and was wondering if anyone used saw dust from a chainsaw in the nest boxes or roosts, and if they had any problems with it due to moisture or dust.

 

I'm getting some hens soon I hope and looking to save the odd penny .

 

Thanks

[Pat Ferrett]

Its good stuff IMO stops them getting mites that you find in straw

[Pedroski]

Sawdust from a decent chain seems a lot less dusty than the sawdust that comes already bagged up. It's seems to be in between sawdust and shavings. Moisture shouldn't be a problem - after all, the nest boxes will be pretty well aired out, and the miniscule amount of chain oil I can't imagine being a problem either.

[MikeTM150]

My wife uses everything from the saw bench and saw (apparently i don't leave in tidy piles unless its a big trunk for the 880) and its good stuff. Otherwise she has use straw from the farm, but they pull less sawdust out the boxes than straw which is why she likes it!!

[normandylumberjack]

I have used it for the last 7 years with no problems, makes nice addition to the compost heap once "befouled". I prefer the ribbons from ripping with a sharp chain!

[arbmark]

it wont compost as well as hay or straw but the dung will help it break down. Never used it for that reason but then i do need to get rid of some sawdust! Might try it on the girls next time:001_cool:

[NFG]

Hello,

 

Yes, we use sawdust for the chickens under the hay in the nest boxes and under the perches in the house. It makes clearing out a lot easier.

 

N

[normandylumberjack]

it wont compost as well as hay or straw but the dung will help it break down. Never used it for that reason but then i do need to get rid of some sawdust! Might try it on the girls next time:001_cool:

 

It makes good humus in our heavy clay, so rotting down isn't that important.

All the nitrogen in the chickens do dah, should counter that which is robbed as the wood chip decays, pumpkins seem to like it!

[Pat Ferrett]

I think you will find that wood chip only robs nitrogen if you dig it in.

[morten]

I would be a little concerned about using sawdust from chainsaws for anything related to food for human consumption (chicken, eggs, vegetable gardens etc) unless you use bio-degradable chain oils. Mineral oil may be detrimental to your health.

 

I have no scientific research to back up this concern though, but my view is: better safe than sorry. Carcinogens may be decades to result in cancer.