Backyard Fowl Keepers

Hi everyone! I'm getting my brooder ready and picked up some dust-free fir shavings from the feed store for bedding. The staff assured me its safe for chicks, but I havent found much info online to confirm that. I still have time to switch to a different bedding if needed. Does anyone have experience using fir shavings for chicks? Should I stick with it or look for something else?

Appreciate any advice, thanks!

Fir might work if it's completely dried and dust-free, but if you have any concerns, swap it out now before the chicks arrive.

Some types of fir contain strong resins that can irritate chicks' lungs. If they start sneezing or acting lethargic, switch bedding immediately.

Fir isn't as commonly used for chicks, so I'd be cautious. You could mix it with pine and see if there's any reaction before committing.

Some fir species are more resinous than others. You might want to check exactly what type of fir the shavings are from before using them.

I raise chicks every year and always use pine shavings. No dust issues, no smell, and I know it's safe! Fir might work, but why take the chance?

Since fir isn't commonly recommended, I'd swap it out. It's not worth the risk when safer options like pine or paper bedding exist.

If your feed store recommended it, it's probably fine. But if you have doubts, call another store and ask their opinion.

Fir shavings can be risky because they contain natural oils that may irritate chicks' respiratory systems. Pine or aspen shavings might be a safer option!

You could do a test,put some fir in a separate area and see if the chicks react to it before using it in the whole brooder.