Update!! I decided to call the number on the package to talk to the actual manufacturer. Found out that the packages WERE kiln-dried BUT when I explained the packaging to them, they said I had purchased their "mix" that contained cedar! The packages did not state kiln-dried or list the contents but when I visited their website, everything is listed as kiln-dried. The person I talked to on the phone also confirmed that. I had just ended up with the wrong "pine shavings". When I had asked for pine shavings at the feed store, they gave me the ones that were on sale but I thought they were "pure" pine shavings.
So... I took them back. They happily exchanged them for me and I got actual pine shavings. These are waaayyy better! The cedar mix was seriously giving me a headache and there was no way I was going to put that into the coop. Funny thing is, some of the ladies that work at the feed store say they've used that mix for years and have never had any issues with it. But personally, I couldn't have stood to go into the coops if I had put that in there. It was making ME sick, so I was concerned about what it would do to my girls.
Anyway, just thought I would share... read the package carefully (although that didn't help me this time since the package was not labeled very well) and double-check with the seller to make sure you are not getting a "mix".
That's good! i use the same shavings i do for my horses that said, my new chicks coming gonna try sand as i don't want shavings in my house lol I have raised all my ducks and current chickens with the pine shavings, i do start to mix wood pellet bedding later on because the ducks are wet, but otherwise.. i have not had any issues? I do think good venting is important though no matter the bedding choice.