Are cedar shavings okay for the coop?

[Bookworm chick]

We started out with straw (this was free) but decided to try shavings since it seemed like this was what everybody recommended. I notice that most are using pine shavings. I have been unable to find anything other than the cedar shavings. I only have 6 bantams in a garden shed converted to chicken coop so they have plenty of room and the bedding stays dry. I just wanted to make sure there wasn't a particular reason as to why people didn't use the cedar shavings.

 

[cheeptrick]

No...they are and can be poisonious to chickens. Only pine shavings that you buy from your local feed stores are appropriate. Cheaper too!

Good Luck!!

 

[Tuffoldhen]

I don't use cedar shaving, have always been told causes respiratory problems down the road.

Wood shavings or pine are always kept here at local feedstores or TSC.

 

[DTchickens]

pine can be bad as well, It does the same stuff as cedar... just Cedar is A LOT worse i HEAR.. Personally the 4 years we used cedar we never had a problem.. along with other people who used it. But a lot of people do, I just stick with hay or leaves..

 

[Tailfeathers]

Cedar shavings are fine. I just wouldn't recommend using them exclusively. Do a search on here for "cedar shavings" and you'll find a plethora of information and opinions.

Bottom line: There's no evidence that cedar shavings is harmful to chickens.

Personally, I use them for everything from chicks up and have NEVER once had a problem of any kind.

God Bless,