chickie1 Posted January 7, 2007 Share Posted January 7, 2007 We have our eglu on bark chips, as suggested in the Omlet guide. However, the February 07 issue of Practical Poultry has highlighted that bark chips can contain cocoa residues which harbour a toxic agent called theobromine. We are now wondering if we should use it and whether it did for Ginger who passed away recently. Any views/advice? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted January 7, 2007 Share Posted January 7, 2007 Funnily enough, I heard the same thing from a guy that could supply ordinary wood chippings. But I'd already bought my bark chippings by then, and no one else seemed to be having a problem. One answer would be to go over to wood chippings and/or aubiose/hemcore. But it would be interesting to know more about this issue. Anyone else know?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
One Man Banned Posted January 7, 2007 Share Posted January 7, 2007 The laydees used to be on bark chippings but they have all been covered in mud and soil so aren't visible anymore. We're off to Stroud later to go and get some hemcore/auboise to put ALL over the run (I think it will look like a mini snow scene but what the heck!) The ground is starting to form little puddles in the clay where it's now so muddy and I think that any visions of having a lawn next year are dwindling fast! A xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted January 7, 2007 Share Posted January 7, 2007 We have bark chips, & have also tried Aubiose. As we have a walk-in run the Aubiose was not very successful, as it all sticks to your wet shoes, so I am sticking to bark for the time being,which doesn't get trodden into the house. Like Andrews,ours is more dirt than bark no, so I need to give the girls a bit of a spring clean & top up soon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lera Posted January 7, 2007 Share Posted January 7, 2007 I would only expect theobromine to be in cocoa shell, which is sold as a mulch. I don't think this would be suitable for the run anyway - bits too small. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickie1 Posted January 7, 2007 Author Share Posted January 7, 2007 I guess its best then to check the "ingredients" on the bag - thanks very mulch for all the responses...! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted January 7, 2007 Share Posted January 7, 2007 *groan* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
