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<h4 class="dechead">On One Hand: An Easily Accessible Choice
In countries where pine straw is an easily accessible choice for poultry litter, it is often used for chickens. This is especially true among small-scale poultry producers, for whom pine straw is more economical because of its availability.
On the Other: Tends to Have Moisture Issues
The North Carolina Poultry Industry feels that pine straw cakes up too quickly. Anne Fanatico, an agriculture specialist, states in her article, "Poultry House Management for Alternative Production," that its tendency to get slimy proves problematic.
Bottom Line
While pine straw is acceptable for use as litter for chickens, the material does not last as long as other poultry litters. Because it is high in moisture, pine straw can cause sores on the chickens, lead to pathogens and parasites as well as extreme levels of ammonia--which could also lead to respiratory problems for chickens. When acquired from a source known to be free of contaminants, pine shavings, rice hulls, pine sawdust, corn cobs and peanut hulls are all preferred choices of litter for poultry.
Source:
New South Wales Department of Primary Industries: Alternative Litter Materials for Poultry
North Carolina Poultry Industry Newsletter: Alternative Litter Materials For Growing Poultry
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