DH is adament about giving the coop a "rugged" look
and it's between this and hardy board--were painting it red...but I just worried b/c of the whole "cedar" thing and the chickens? Is it still bad if its on the outside of the coop? THKS!
AtholCoop is correct!! Cedar boards do not pose a problem as the wood is of a very small surface area compared w/ shavings. They will also be outside the coop and not accessible to the birds.
OK...New Egg here. I am just beginning investigating what I need to build a coop and I have several 10' lengths of cedar siding in my workshop. From what I understand on this post it is OK to use these on the siding of the coop but I need to avoid cedar shavings on the ground of the run? What can people tell me about the harm of cedar to chicks and hens? Is there another forum thread I should read? I fell so uninformed. Also, can anyone recommend a good book on coop building? I don't mean to hijack this thread but was just curious.
Cedar shaving have greater exposure of the aromatic oils and can cause respiratory problems in chicks. Cedar siding isn't a problem.
As far as coop building, go up to the very top of this page- click on Coop Designs. We'll see ya in a month or so, after you get through looking at all the fabulous coops!