Cedar Litter for Rabbits - Can I use it in a Chicken Coop Instead?

[BornToBake]

Is it possible to use cedar litter for the nestboxes and floor of a chicken coop? I'm trying to find a litter option for egg laying chickens and the most economical option I can find is cedar litter traditionally used for rabbits. I cannot afford hay or straw. Can I use rabbit cedar litter for egg laying hen coop instead?

Thank you all.

EDIT: I just read that cedar shavings in a chicken coop can cause respiratory problems in chickens. Is this true? Does this mean the question is moot, that I can't use the cedar shavings in the first place?

 

[Painted Calls]

I personally avoid cedar for any creature. I'm not sure if it's ok for chickens, but I know it's not ok for rabbits/g. pigs/rodents/dogs/pretty much anything else.

I buy the large bags of pine at TSC. I think they're like $5/$6.

Hopefully someone else will chime in soon with more knowledge.

 

[DobieLover]

Chicks kept on cedar shavings have died. The aromatic oils are too much for a chickens respiratory system.
Pine is better. IMHO hemp bedding is best!

 

[rosemarythyme]

I would not use all cedar nor cedar shavings around birds or small mammals. The aromatic oils can cause respiratory issues.

I use aspen shavings in my nest boxes - it's more expensive but I like the large flake and the fact that it's not very aromatic compared to cedar or pine. Otherwise all of my litter is free: wood chips in coop and deep litter of wood chips, dried leaves, dried grass, garden and weed trimmings in the run.

 

[blackdog043]

No to cedar!
If you have a Tractor supply near you, get the white bag of pine shavings, they're bigger shavings then the yellow bag. They're not that expensive and go a long way, the bag is compressed.

 

[Folly's place]

Our local feed store has bagged pine shavings that are a better deal than the TSC shavings, but either will be better than anything at a pet store!
Cedar shavings aren't good for small critters or chickens. Just because they are sold for them doesn't make it a good product!
Mary