Cedar Shavings to Mix with Pine?

[High Mountain Chic]

Hey Everyone!

Well my chicks are about 5 weeks old now and due to recent blizzard are still in the brooder in the house. They don't smell that bad, but I was wondering if I can mix some cedar shavings into the pine shavings to help with the aroma a little bit. I am looking forward to getting the girls outside, but with the recent weather we have been having in the Rockies it might be a while. Plus I have friends flying in from the big city of San Fran and would like my house to smell a little fresher. Thanks you guys!

 

[serendipity22]

NO NO NO

No Cedar Shavings. They give of a toxin that damages chickens lungs.

 

[High Mountain Chic]

Oh Okay!

Thanks for the speedy response! I will stay away from the cedar. Any suggestions on what I might be able to use?

 

[B. Saffles Farms]

Ive heard of people mixing a small amout of cedar in, without any harm. Ive used it before without any problems, but always in a well vented area.

 

[Kimiko]

Cedar fumes can be deadly--why take the risk?

There are odor neutralizers available or you can scoop the shavings or change them right before the guests come.

http://www.mcmurrayhatchery.com/product/odor_eliminator.html

I have a HEPA filter set up in front of my brooders which seems to work well.

 

[Tailfeathers]

If you do a search on here for "cedar shavings" or even me as the Author, you will find a plethora of discussion on the topic.

I do it all time and have NEVER had a problem.

God Bless,

 

[BorderKelpie]

What about baking soda? Can we put a sprinkle of that in with the shavings - I do that with my cat's litter box - it helps, a little.

 

[Akane]

In a coop maybe although I absolutely would never do it. In a brooder no way. There isn't enough ventilation and the volatile oils will build leading to potential respiratory illness or even organ damage.

Baking soda is slightly safer but I had several small mammals like gerbils develop respiratory issues breathing in baking soda. I also avoid beddings with baking soda now.

 

[KattyKillFish]

i would NEVER use cedar! NO NO NO!

you can use regular leaves from any tree, or cut lawn grass dry or green. hmm, lets see.. i hear of people using sand and scooping the poop out with a fine litter scoop (new or course)

i also use fire weed but im not sure it grows anywhere in the states...

 

[mwdh1]

In a pinch I have used shredded newspaper with no problems, just make sure to confetti cut it so their little legs don't get tangled in it