"Feline Pine" instead of shavings?

[Carpe DiHen]

I saw a picture of a brooder box on an old thread and it had what looked like Feline Pine cat litter in it instead of pine shavings. It seems like that would be nice and dust free while rearing the baby chicks in the house.

Anyone used the Feline Pine? It doesn't look very cozy?

Sure would be nice if it helps with the dust. I'm sure it would cost more, but might be worth it for a small operation?

 

[NellaBean]

I have used the pine stall pellets for horses....not Feline Pine...they probably look the same in pictures. I would definitely not use Feline Pine, I believe it is not straight pine.......misnomer, I know. We used to have cats that broke out in rashes on their feet from it, so I assume something is added. Anyways, the horse stall bedding is much cheaper anyways, usually $5.99 for 40lbs at TSC. I like to mix mine with shavings...it keeps the shavings fresh longer, and they absorb fluids much better...just turn to sawdust. They are also better for composting, btw. However, using straight pine pellets and no shavings is not as fluffy for the chicks....not fun to scratch in, etc. I definitely like to mix it.

 

[Carpe DiHen]

Quote:
Thanks for the info!

Do you use the horse stall bedding in your coop too?

I'm a big composter so that's good to know. Just checked it out on a web site and it sounds great!

 

[NellaBean]

I use it in my coop, mixed with shavings. It just seems to make everything last longer. If you end up with a wet spot, you can throw them in there and you will have a big pile of wet sawdust afterwards. I like to use it around the waterer, to help suck up any spillage.

I have a horse too, and did the same thing for her. Used to mix them. She would try to eat them used alone......so I used to either mix them, or pour the pellets out on the bottom and then cover with shavings. She would 'mix' them naturally walking around, and they worked so much better to absorb urine.

I believe they are better for composting as half the work is already done. Definitely take up less space too

 

[Carpe DiHen]

Awesome, thanks so much!

Can't wait for that fast compost!

 

[popcornpuppy]

I have done both at one time or an other. Pine shavings vs Pine pellets (for horses) and I like the pellets better. Mixing them as already suggested would work well too. The pine pellets make clean up alot easier and stay "fresh" longer. When I use them in the brooder, I cover them with landscape fabric so the chciks don't try to eat them. It's a system that works well for us, but to each, his own.

 

[Chook-A-Holic]

I use the Cozy n' Fresh pellet bedding as suggested by a member here at BYC for my indoor brooder, available at TSC. It is safe for all animals. They have a subtle fresh smell and not a per-fumy odor. You wouldn't even know I had chicks in the house except for the noise. They may cost more than the stall pellets but it was worth it to me. I put them about 2" deep and a week later I would add just a few more. At the end of the 2nd. week I changed out all of the bedding. When I put the chicks outside at week 4 there was no lingering chick or poo smell left in the house. The chicks were then put on pine shavings in the outdoor brooder.

 

[Darlasmum]

I used feline pine for my brooder this last August...and it worked great. Alot less dust than shavings, easy to scoop out the poop, and gave the chicks good traction. I give it a big