Equine pellets for poultry bedding

[olp_63]

We were at TSC the other day, when my dad found a display for equine pellets. They're like hard pellets that swell up to absorb liquids when wet. A woman shopping nearby noticed us looking at them and said that she uses all the time for her horses. She said that she saves so much more money than when she used pine shavings.

I thought it would be awesome to use them for the floor of our coop. But they're pretty hard, pine shavings offer comfort and warmth, but the pellets don't. I'm curious though, does any one else use equine pellets in their coop?

Thanks <3

 

[Renegade]

I sometimes use them but only with my chicks. I've never tried them with the adults because I have been afraid they may try to eat them since I like to feed layer pellets.

Donna

 

[Chickaroo!]

OMG, olp_63, I've been wondering this myself for almost a week now!! We must be on the same brain wave length

I was considering them because I wanted something that causes as little dust as possible. Renegade has a good point though, they do look like layer pellets. I think I'm going to get the info. off the bag and see what my chicken vet thinks. If I find out anything, I'll let you know!

 

[verthandi]

I actually use wood stove pellet for bedding for my horses. The pellet can be soaked and it turns into sawdust if anyone wanted to use it in the chicken coop. Just dump them in a wheelbarrow and add water to the top of the pellets and it all breaks down. I still use bagged shavings in my chicken coop though, as I didn't know if the chickens would pick up too much of the sawdust while scratching around.

 

[fullhouse]

I use it. You can add water and it expands or leave it. I sift with a manure rake. I like it better than shavings!