Hey CO Peeps ;) What are you using as "bedding" in your uncovered coop runs?

[BatChickCrazy]

Hi Fellow CO Peeps!

I'm a newbie. My girls are 3 weeks old. We want to make the nicest home possible for them when they make their transition to their big girl coop! We have purchased a coop and will be putting it in a big dog that our new home came with. Currently the run has wood chips down but I don't know what kind so I'm assuming I need to take that all out in case it's bad for them?? Or is cedar only suggestion as chicks? Ack... anyways, what do you all use in your runs??

Thank you in advance!!

 

[Jensownzoo]

Cedar shavings are bad for birds thanks to the aromatic compounds that are released. The bigger the chunk of wood, however, the less of these compounds are released. Pick up a handful of the wood chips and take a whiff...if you don't smell a strong cedar odor then it is fine to use these seasoned wood chips even if they are composed of cedar.

 

[BatChickCrazy]

Thank you! I wasn't sure exactly why cedar was bad. I'm guessing the shavings have been there at least a few years and they are on the bigger side, but I'll definitely smell them! Thank you!