Cedar and Nesting box questions

The Coastal Chicks

In the Brooder
9 Years
Apr 29, 2010
52
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39
Savannah
ok so I found an old thread that said cedar is bad for chickens.... I had not read about this while researching my coop design.... and just bought a cedar dog house that I am retro fitting for the coop
what are the real concerns.. the are free range during the day and will have a run connected... they are 6 weeks old EE/Ameracuna's..
also what is the recommended dimensions for the nesting boxes?


Thanks so much!
Tausha
 
Cedar lumber is OK. The concern with cedar, is the shavings. The large surface area gives off a lot of volatile oils that can harm the respiratory system. If it smell very strong let it air out.

Not sure about the nestboxes. I use buckets

Imp
 
Thank you... I had read about the cedar shavings now that I think about it but I did not even think of it in regards to a structure.
It is airing now and I will let it go a few more days...

I had thought about using dishwashing tubs...for easy cleaning... do you have "top"/roof on the nesting boxes?
 
Quote:
I've read that people use dishwashing tubs, kitty litter boxes, just about anything. I use 5 gallon orange Home Depot buckets on their sides, so yes they are covered, but I don't think it is a requirement. Unless the chickens are sleeping in the nests, I haven't found that they need cleaning much. Dusty, but no scrubbing needed. I've never let a broody hatch, so maybe they get dirty if they are incubating eggs.

Imp

ETA- Darker nests are supposed to reduce the risk of egg eating.
 
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