Coop rethink

[redinator]

Chips don't need to be aged that long - I age them for a long time but that's because I don't have much other use for them so a pile will sit for years. If you can only age for a month then I'd skim off surface chips (since those will be most aired out) for use.

You'd need to clarify what cedar, specifically. Not all cedars are the same. I use cedar chips (Western red cedar) without issue as we have a lot of cedar in the area.

If I make my own it'd be a mix of oak and pine since that's what we have around.

I asked about the cedar chips because it was the first thing that popped up when I did a search for "aged wood chips" and I was making sure I was remembering what I read correctly.

Good to know they don't need to age that long . . .I'd be concerned about termites if that were the case . . . on the other hand they might make a good protein snack for the chickens, lol.

 

[StinkyAcres]

Chips don't need to be aged that long - I age them for a long time but that's because I don't have much other use for them so a pile will sit for years. If you can only age for a month then I'd skim off surface chips (since those will be most aired out) for use.

You'd need to clarify what cedar, specifically. Not all cedars are the same. I use cedar chips (Western red cedar) without issue as we have a lot of cedar in the area.

I've always read to age chips 6-12 months. How do you know when they are aged enough?

 

[rosemarythyme]

I've always read to age chips 6-12 months. How do you know when they are aged enough?

Aspergillus is the main concern, and that is most likely in the first month. Depending on the climate and where the chips are stored they may air out faster or slower, so I'd say 1 month is a good benchmark if they're needed sooner.