Cedar chips in nesting boxes?

[beepbeepinajeep]

I have read conflicting opinions on the use of cedar shavings in the nesting boxes. A book I am reading now highly suggests it, but I have read elsewhere that it can kill chickens. What do you think?

 

[Farmer Kitty]

No Cedar chips.

 

[B. Saffles Farms]

You get alot of different info on cedar chips/shavings. I have used them in very well ventilated areas without any problems. But I wouldnt try it in an area that isnt well ventilated. I know several people that mix a small amount of cedar shavings in with the pines shavings.

 

[beepbeepinajeep]

I guess we will skip then. I just knew they can help keep down pests/odor.

Out of curiosity, what can they do? Respiratory problems?

Thanks

 

[Farmer Kitty]

Yes, they cause respirtory problems.

 

[viqui baby]

Don't risk it!

I just bought a big plastic container of cedar chips intending to use it in the chickens' nesting boxes but I got a sniff of the cedar and recalled how all my hamsters died when I used a chips with that smell in their cage. They died in a matter of hours after they knocked a few of the chips into the water that reddened.
They were obviously poisoned and I could tell they died horribly.
I want to return the chips but am not sure if I still have the3 receipt so might use it at the top of my potted plants. Maybe it will keep bugs out of the potting mix.
I have decided not to risk it. I have decided to use pine chips instead, but will make sure there is none of that glue that is toxic in the chips, that they use when making compressed wood. Its not worth the risk because that smell is the same smell from the other wood chips that might have contained the same toxin that might be in cedar chips.