Cedar shavings..are they safe ?

[Henparty6]

Can I use cedar in my coop? It's open to their run , so there is plenty of air circulation, just not sure about the oils in cedar?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

If they are fresh shavings from the aromatic Eastern Red Cedar, they aren't safe.
Eastern Red Cedar is actually a juniper and not a cedar - Juniperus virginiana

IMHO, it isn't the oils as much as the aromatic fumes wafting from the fresh shavings.
However, with HUGE ventilation, that can cover a multitude of sins.

 

[SueT]

There are many who say don't use it (eastern red cedar), that the cedar oil is too volatile. But I have used it often, altho always in combination with other shavings from our wood shed where my husband cuts up firewood. Our coop is big and roomy w lots of ventilation. Also the wood part of our coop is western red cedar, and no problems with either species.

 

[Henparty6]

Thanks ! I've got a bag of cedar.. I'll check on what kind of is.. and mix with some wood shavings!