Cedar question

[sully707]

I got my coop in an area that used to be the dog run. in the winter it get pretty muddy, so i would scatter Cedar chips to soak up the mud and keep it a little less a mess. There are some chips still out there, but its been over a year since the last time i've scattered them and they are alls pretty weathered and covered with dirt/mud.

Should i try to shovel or rake them all out or has their harmfullness passed?

 

[patandchickens]

If there ever *were* any volatile oils gonna cause problems they are long since gone by now. I would not worry in the slightest

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[RIVERA69R]

Be safe and clean them out and for the outside run you can fill in with maybe sand or fill in with dirt so it doesnt collect water

 

[sully707]

Thats what i figured.

Thanks

 

[B. Saffles Farms]

Ill have to agree with Pat on this one. They will be fine to leave them in there.

 

[Silkiemama]

From what I understand about cedar wood, it's the fumes that would cause problems in birds and small animals - liver problems to be sure. Birds are really sensitive to any gasses or fumes. I would get rid of as much as I could before putting birds in there.

 

[patandchickens]

Guys, the cedar chips in question are over a year old and have been outside in mud and water the whole time.

There is NO WAY WHATSOEVER there could be any problem.

Even if they were *fresh*, outdoors (which is where they are) they are not going to cause a problem because it is not a confined space.

To the original poster: if you are at all concerned, pick up a handful of them. Sniff. Does it smell like a cedar chest? If it did, you might wish to be cautious. If it does not (and under the circumstances, I will bet anything you care to name that they do *not* smell cedar-y), then there are no volatile oils coming off them and thus no possible problem.

(e.t.a. that normally I am one of the first people to say it's probably best *not* to use cedar chips, i.e. fresh ones, as coop bedding... so it's not like I'm not aware of the issues...

)

Pat

 

[B. Saffles Farms]

Ive used cedar shavings in cages before that where well ventilated and never had anything get sick or die from it.

And like Pat said, the cedar shavings are over a year old, theyve been out in the weather, and they wont cause any harm what so ever.

 

[jubylives]

Quote:
ditto



jeremy

 

[brooster]

you are fine, leave them in there, i have never had a problem inside and even fresh ones outside wouldnt do anything, they have fresh air, so year old ones are not going to do anything. Save yourself the work