Damp/ moldy pine shavings?

[Weasleymum]

I just bought a new bag of pine shavings for my coop, and hauled it from the trunk of my car to the downstairs backyard, where the coop is. I'm 8 months pregnant, and believe me, this took every bit of effort that I had! When I ripped the bag open, the pine was damp/ wet-ish, and a lot of it had this grey stuff on it, looked like mold or rot.

I'm assuming that it's not safe to use this for the chickens, right? Everything I've read implies that dry, clean bedding is the way to go. Now I've got to wait until my DH gets home in a few days (he's out of town) so that he can carry the s*** back up the hill, so that I can return it to Southern States and give them a piece of my mind. ARGHHH.

Oh, and because I'd already cleared out the old bedding and put it on the compost, there's none in the coop right now.

 

[b.hromada]

I understand your anger. First off, please be careful with yourself. I realize you have to take care of your girls. Thats crazy that the shavings you just bought were soaked and full of mold! No, I wouldn't put that in with your girls at all. When the dear hubby comes home, have him return it, and get your money back. I know, it stinks that you have already put the other in your compost pile, that is frustrating. But, please do be careful.

 

[Mary Of Exeter]

I'd go chew Southern States out, but hey that's just me

Their products shouldn't be moldy!

So the moldy shavings don't go to waste, you may be able to save them. If there's a way you can spread them out so they can air out and dry in the sun tomorrow, that should help kill the mold. The worst thing about wet and moldy shavings isn't so much the mold, but because bacteria can easily grow. The quicker you get it dried out, the better it'll be for use.

 

[Weasleymum]

Thanks you guys! I had an idea this morning, as I was prepping my veggie garden for planting... is there any reason I can't use this stuff for mulch instead? I'm only growing fruiting plants like beans and tomatoes, not anything like lettuce that would be in direct contact w/ the mulch. Is there any reason not to use pine shavings for mulch, besides the expense?

I figure I can fill a baggie with the ickyness and take it back to SS to let them know about it, much more easily than hauling the whole thing back--i.e., to throw a hissy fit and demand a new bag of CLEAN product.

 

[Oceanseve]

Just got back from TSC and they had moldy shavings for 1/2 price

I guess they were relying on those who bought easter chics to not know any better.

You should call them first because depending on where they get it, they may be required to return packaging to get a refund themselves.

 

[LynneP]

And please wear a mask if you have to be the one to dispose of the moldy shavings. They can make you very ill. Dispose at least 50 feet away from your coop...so sorry you had to inhale any particles at all.

 

[fjasmint]

And please wear a mask if you have to be the one to dispose of the moldy shavings. They can make you very ill. Dispose at least 50 feet away from your coop...so sorry you had to inhale any particles at all.

I'm new to raising chicks. I got pneumonia from moldy shavings and was sick for 2 weeks. The place that sold them to me wont be getting my business anymore.