Cedar shavings or Pine?

[Robin Koski]

I am hearing that cedar shavings are bad and toxic in a chicken coop? Is this true? And why is pine not?

 

[sassysarah]

Sorry I don't know. But hay works awesome in my coop!

 

[Robin Koski]

I have not tried hay. I have straw and they seem to like that in the roosting boxes. I have been useing pine shavings in the floor of the coop for them. I know the cedar would smell better but not so sure it is good for them??????

 

[sassysarah]

I have not tried hay. I have straw and they seem to like that in the roosting boxes. I have been useing pine shavings in the floor of the coop for them. I know the cedar would smell better but not so sure it is good for them??????

I don't use cedar shavings because they give me a terrible head ache! So I wouldn't think that would be good for my chickies. Also they get kicked up, then there are bare spots in the coop.

 

[sassysarah]

Oh, by the way,

 

[Frazzemrat1]

Cedar oil is much stronger than pine oil. The reason its bad for the chickens, and Sassy, is that its so strong that prolonged exposure can damage the lungs. This is so for many animals, as its not recommended to use cedar for reptiles either and for the same reasons.

 

[aart]

Aromatic cedar shavings are a respiratory irritant...and birds have delicate lungs.

 

[Chickassan]

You could always go with hardwood shavings. They are used here since the hens don't like straw or hay.The rooster likes to eat it and im not too big on him doing that so hardwood it .