Poultry farming is one of the most profitable businesses over time, as farmers continually seek to develop their farms, which significantly contributes to increased production. Wood shavings have become one of the most important factors that help enhance poultry production. In this article, we will discuss everything related to wood shavings for chickens.
Importance of Wood Shavings for Chickens
Wood shavings offer many benefits for chickens, playing a key role in increasing poultry production. These shavings are widely used due to their numerous advantages and affordable price, as provided by Premium. The main benefits of using wood shavings for chickens include:
- Protection from Moisture: Excessive moisture can cause health issues for chickens and reduce production. Using wood shavings helps significantly in reducing moisture.
- Providing Optimal Temperature: Wood shavings play a big role in maintaining the ideal temperature chickens need, helping them retain the necessary body heat.
Biogas Production: After wood shavings decompose, they produce biogas, which can be used as a fuel alternative for household heating.
Fertilizer for Agricultural Land: Once wood shavings are no longer used for poultry, they can be repurposed as natural fertilizer, which helps increase crop production and reduce waste.
Reducing Unpleasant Odors: Wood shavings efficiently absorb liquids from chicken waste, minimizing unpleasant odors and making the environment healthier and cleaner for both workers and birds.
Easy to Replace and Clean: Wood shavings can be easily replaced and cleaned, helping to maintain a clean environment for the chickens.
Preventing Diseases and Waste Accumulation: Chicken waste sticks to the wood shavings, making it easy to dispose of when the shavings are changed.
Affordable and Widely Available: Wood shavings are available in many places at affordable prices, making them a cost-effective choice for large and small farms alike.
Environmentally Friendly: Wood shavings are biodegradable and can be reused as organic fertilizer in farms and fields, contributing to a healthier environment for the birds.
Reducing Stress in Chickens: A clean environment reduces stress in chickens, improving their health and boosting production. A clean space creates a healthy, stable, and comfortable living condition for the chickens, reducing disease risks.
Best Types of Wood Shavings for Chickens
Farm owners prefer using coarse wood shavings over fine ones, especially for chicks. Coarse shavings are laid on the ground to keep birds warm and maintain the temperature. They also help young chickens eat without inhaling dust, which is a risk with fine shavings that could cause respiratory diseases in both chickens and humans.
Do Wood Shavings Help Retain Heat for Chickens?
This question is often asked by those planning to start a poultry farm. The answer is yes—wood shavings help chickens maintain their body heat and are essential for their safety. Wood shavings protect chickens from moisture, cold, and various diseases.
To ensure this, it's important to follow these tips:
Lay a bedding of wood shavings 5–7 cm thick during summer, and 10 cm in winter.
Make sure the shavings are free from chemical or bacterial contamination.
Keep the bedding dry and crumbly to prevent moisture that could cause health issues or deformities in chickens' legs.
Avoid sharp or rough wood pieces to prevent chickens from getting injured.
Use white wood shavings, as they are the most effective in absorbing moisture.
Avoid fine wood shavings as they hold too much moisture, which can promote fungal growth and poison chickens.
How Wood Shavings Affect Chicken Health and Production
The quality of wood shavings used for chickens directly affects their health and production. Clean, comfortable bedding positively impacts the birds. Good quality wood shavings help in:
Moisture Absorption: Reducing the risk of diseases caused by high humidity, preventing the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi.
Odor Reduction: Improving the air quality in poultry barns by absorbing harmful gases and odors.
Thermal Insulation: Providing a comfortable environment for chickens during harsh weather conditions.
Types of Wood Shavings
There are three main types of wood shavings:
Coarse Wood Shavings: Commonly used as bedding in poultry farms, as well as in horse and sheep barns.
Fine Wood Shavings: These are produced by cutting, sanding, and then polishing wood, often used to make charcoal.
Tree Bark Shavings: Used in various products like fuel, fertilizer, and decorative items, and are also suitable for poultry farming due to their acceptable thickness.
Where to Buy Wood Shavings for Chickens?
Wood shavings for poultry can be bought from several places, including:
Animal and agricultural supply stores.
Feed and farm equipment shops.
Wood and construction material stores.
Online marketplaces and applications.
Carpentry workshops and wood product factories.
Disadvantages of Using Wood Shavings for Chickens
Despite their numerous advantages, wood shavings have a few downsides, including:
Dust Accumulation: Excessive dust can cause respiratory issues in chickens, especially if the shavings are too fine or dry.
Excessive Moisture Absorption: Leading to stickiness and creating a breeding ground for harmful fungi and bacteria.
Potential Chemical Contamination: Shavings from recycled or treated wood may contain harmful chemicals.
Attracting Pests: Wood shavings can attract rodents and insects if not regularly replaced and cleaned.
Benefits of Selling Wood Shavings
The wood shaving trade has several advantages:
Traders can offer competitive prices due to the high availability of suppliers.
Exporting high-quality wood shavings can boost international trade.
Some individuals use wood shavings for handicrafts and other profitable ventures.
In conclusion, wood shavings remain an essential and cost-effective resource for poultry farms, providing numerous benefits for both the birds and the farm owners.