Cedar and Chickens

[4Shadow]

I've heard that cedar shavings are not good for chickens. I had earmarked some neat 'driftwood' type logs and old dead trunks from the bush to put in the fenced chicken area - for interest, climbing on etc. If these came from cedar trees, am wondering if I'm running the same risk of harming the chickens by their contact with them?

 

[bantybev]

I may be totally wrong here, but I thought the cedar shavings were to be avoided because the fumes from the oil created respiratory issues when used in a brooder or coop.. or an enclosed area. In this case I can't see why it would be problematic to use in an outside, open area. You might try doing an internet search for cedar wood and chickens.

 

[jjparke]

I've only heard to not use them in the brooder with your chics

 

[AinaWGSD]

Cedar contains phenols, which can cause not only respiratory difficulties but also liver damage in birds, small animals, and even humans (such as the workers in mills that process cedar). Pine also contains phenols, although in significantly lower quantities such that it isn't as big a concern (I still get a bit of respiratory irritation if I have to stick my head in a barrel of pine shavings too long though). It's really much more of a concern in confined areas where the birds have nowhere to go to get away from the phenols. Not only are large logs less likely to have as large a surface area to release the phenols as a pile of shavings/chips, but being outside there is nothing to keep them right where the birds will be breathing them. It really shouldn't be a problem outside, especially if the logs aren't fragrant enough for you to tell in an instant from one whiff that they are cedar.

 

[Akane]

Cedar logs and wood is different from cedar shavings. The surface area on shavings is huge and every time you cut in to a tree you release the sap or oils in it. A log would have a dried outside sealing it up and very little fresh surface area so it might be safe. I would judge it on how much you can smell the cedar. If the smell is very strong just standing near it I wouldn't get it anywhere near any animals. If you have to stick your head right down to it in order to get much smell then it should be as safe as using pine shavings throughout the entire coop.

 

[patandchickens]

Cedar shavings/chips for bedding are questionable (although in well-ventilated situations they are likely ok, lots and lots of people use them without detectible problems)

Cedar WOOD is no problem at all, unless you are making your coop smell like a cedar-closet.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[4Shadow]

Thanks guys - that's a relief! I'll go ahead and haul that stuff out of the bush then, ensuring its not too smelly, and stays outside. Really glad it should be OK to use.