some of the books i have read about raising chickens in rural areas have highly suggested cedar. however, when i bought my chicks, the feedstore told me not to let them use it (after i had already bought a 50 lb bag!). ive watched them closely and noticed that they do not peck at or try to munch on the pine chips theyve got now. that being said i think i am going to try them on a mix of the two. our coop is built into our house so im hoping itll help keep the smell down a bit...