Ground Walnut Shell as Poultry Bedding?

[DianeB]

I saw a 25 pound bag of ground walnut shells at the pet store. It was in the bird section and sold as bedding. Does anyone know if I can use if for my chickens? They sleep in a crate. This would be much easier and cheaper than timothy hay. Supposedly, it keeps down the smell, clumps and is easy to sift. Suppose it works like kitty litter.

 

[DianeB]

Just read it is non-contact bedding. Really for birds in cages. Dang it!!

 

[dragonlaurel]

Black walnut is used to make a dark dye- it might have made them look a little funny.

 

[DianeB]

I don't think this was black walnut. It probably was the more common English walnut. Besides, they already look funny.

 

[Farmfresh]

With horses and some other animals walnuts, whether shells, or even sawdust made from walnut can act as a poison. It can even be absorbed through the bottom of their feet! I would avoid the stuff just in case.