cedar coop

[98 gt]

is cedar ok build a coop with? ive already built it a few months ago and the chickens like it, but was just checking for any adverse reactions?? like i said it doesnt seem to have caused any problems... pics later if interested

 

[LynneP]

We used some recycled cedar sheathing on the barn/coop, and I understand cedar is not recommended for bedding because of oils being released, toxic to birds.

At the same time I suspect you've painted most of the surfaces the birds would use. The only areas I'd be concerned about would be unpainted roosts or nest box interiors- both of which are solvable, easily.

 

[dangerouschicken]

You can use cedar, just not as shavings. And you don't want it where they will eat it, i.e. peck it off the floor when scratching around. As a structure, you should be fine

 

[RoseHawke]

There are two different types of "cedar," Eastern Red Cedar, which is actually a juniper, and several types of Western Red Cedar which is more closely related to firs. Aromatic Cedar is often used for closet linings, blanket chests, that sort of thing, while the Western Cedar is what is used for building.

It's the aromatic Eastern Cedar you want to be cautious of. I've never heard of any problems with Western, and indeed is often used in the construction of bird houses and feeders and such.

 

[98 gt]

it is used solely for the structure, we have pine boxes and pine(also pvc) roosting beams... we actually wentinto the woods and cut all of our material for the coop (except the tin for the roof and chicken wire)... actually used very few nails since we biult it "amish"
edited to add picture...

we have been getting about a dozen eggs a day brown white and green(ish)

 

[jubylives]

I've seen no proof that cedar is harmful to chickens. I'd use it if I had it around to use but cedar is not too cheap around here to buy for building purposes.

jeremy

 

[98 gt]

i didnt buy it, i chopped it down!
but seriously, we have a lot of cedar around the property, 2 that are about 2 ft in daimeter and need to be cut down due disease...

but i guess we can cut it for cedar planking.... yippee!!

 

[birdbrain2]

nice avatar

 

[98 gt]

i see we have them same... im not as original as i thought...