Drying chip

[Stereo]

Keep chickens and have a good few acres of woodland / coppice, mostly hardwoods like hazel, ash, alder etc. we've done a lot of coppicing this year and have heaps of brash everywhere. I'm looking at hiring a chipper for a weekend and drying it over summer for my winter chicken pens.

 

What's the best way to do this? Just stack it in a field or does it need to be under cover? A bit short on buildings at the mo but could knock something basic up or tarps etc.

 

Any thoughts or experience to pass on?

[briquette_seller]

Stack in the field, leave it to dry for a few months, and chip on a dry day, then dry store it once its chipped.

[CJM]

I don't think I've ever seen dry wood chip unless it's dead wood, like what's been said wait till stone dry and chip it

 

Does it really need to be dry for chickens?? I've tipped off for people with chickens and they don't mind fresh chip

[Stereo]

Thanks, most has been stacked since Oct. I've read somewhere that fresh chip is not good for chickens, especially some species, can't recall which now. I guess leaving in brash form and chipping to demand might be a better idea. Although then you are into disturbing hibernating beasties etc. Maybe need to knock up a simple plywood shelter with a dry floor.