Wood shavings for chickens and turkeys: the secret to preventing leg injuries and saving on heating costs

In industrial poultry farming—whether raising broilers, turkeys, or laying hens—the floor is the surface where the animal spends 100% of its life. Choosing the right bedding is not a simple operating expense; it is a direct investment in feed conversion rates and final carcass quality.

Many farmers face recurring problems: bedding that compacts, excess moisture that drives ammonia levels up, and—most critically—physical injuries to the birds. At Visecorsa, after years supplying large-scale farms, we have seen first-hand why high-quality pine wood shavings outperform straw or husks.

The Leg Problem: Why Do Injuries Occur?

The rapid growth rate of modern chickens and turkeys demands perfect support. A slippery, damp, or overly hard floor leads to immediate consequences:

  • Footpad dermatitis: Acidic moisture burns the sole of the foot, creating ulcers that become entry points for infection.
  • Breaks and deformities: Without stable grip or with abrasive surfaces, birds can suffer microfractures or serious joint injuries when standing up.

The Wood Shavings Solution

Visecorsa’s Galician pine shavings are voluminous and soft. Unlike straw (which can have sharp edges) or husks (which can be unstable), wood shavings create a resilient, cushioned bedding.

  • Shock absorption: Protects the joints of heavy birds, especially turkeys.
  • No sharp fragments: Carefully screened and selected, with no pointed pieces that can damage the skin.

“It Generates Heat”: Thermal Insulation and Energy Savings

One of the highest costs on a chick farm is heating. This is where wood shavings play a crucial economic role.

Wood is a natural thermal insulator. A good layer of dry shavings insulates birds from the cold concrete floor.

  • Temperature retention: Shavings retain heat generated by heating systems and by the birds themselves, creating a warm microclimate at floor level.
  • Fast drying: By absorbing moisture and releasing it gradually, they prevent the “cold damp” feeling that leads to illness.

Key fact: A dry, warm bedding reduces thermal stress during a chick’s first days of life, improving early development and growth. Wood acts as an effective insulator.

In-House Logistics for Large Volumes

We know that poultry farms cannot afford delays. The “all-in, all-out” production cycle requires absolute punctuality so bedding is ready before chicks arrive.

At Visecorsa, we do not rely on third parties. With our own logistics and fleet, we can:

  • Supply large quantities in bulk or palletized bales.
  • Reach farms in hard-to-access areas.
  • Guarantee supply all year round.

Questions About Texture?

We know that the best way to assess quality is to see and touch the product yourself. If you are interested, we can arrange to send a sample so you can test it firsthand.

Contact us for more information.


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