cedar chips?

[jrward]

I have been told that I should avoid using cedar chips as bedding. Is this true?

 

[matthew vass]

It is not a good idea to use cedar chips when you have small chicks because it causes them to have leg problems. I have a flock of about sixty and i use cedar and pine in the floor of their house.

 

[mulewagon]

I raised my chicks on cedar shavings (with plenty of ventilation). Used paper towels on top the first couple of days, until they could walk well enough not to trip.

I use cedar shavings in the nest boxes and broody boxes. Wouldn't advise using it in a closed, heated brooder, but I've had no problems in an unheated, airy coop.

 

[cubalaya]

cedar shavings have an oil in the wood that is poison to chickens and some other small animals. use aspen or softwood shavings