Cedar shavings

[pokey]

I noticed when I set eggs this time I had a few with bacterial rings. Now some of these were my own and some were shipped eggs I bought. The last bag of shavings I bought were cedar. I buy busted bags at half price at work so it's kinda you get what you get, so to say. Has anyone used cedar and noticed more bacterial rings during incubation? It might have been something else, I just wondered. My coops are open on the front so ventilation for the birds is fine and I have never had any problems. I also sterilize the incubator.

 

[Anirtj]

As a respiratory therapist, we learned cedar is bad for the respiratory system. Whether this affects eggs or not, I'm not sure. Thought I'd just mention this as a possibility.

 

[rebelcowboysnb]

My coops are full of cedar an I have not seen any issue with it, eggs or birds. I plan to change to sand soon though for cost an logistics reasons.

 

[pokey]

There's a handful in the nest box, front of nest box is open and coops are open. I don't think it will compromise their respriratory systems. I just wondered about any oil or residue. I've used it for as long as I've had dogs and chickens. I just rotate between regular pine shavings

 

[KristyHall]

I use a small amount of cedar shavings mixed with hay and it doesn't seem to bother the birds. The plus side is the cedar discourages snakes and insects.

 

[amfora]

I'm sorry this isn't related to the OP's question, but I have another question regarding cedar that I haven't seen mentioned in any of the older threads about cedar.

Is there any difference in the potential for respiratory problems between different types of cedar? We have a lot of Eastern White Cedar in my area, and shavings from it don't seem to my nose to be nearly as aromatic as the Red Cedar that's used for things like cedar chests. When I sniff at a bag of pine shavings and a bag of cedar shavings they smell different, but the cedar doesn't smell particularly stronger.

I'm just starting out with my first flock and have had them on pine only, but it would be nice if I could mix in some cedar (they're just 4 weeks old, I would wait a few more months to do so anyways) since it's easier for me to get than pine.

Thanks for any input!

ETA: Oops, just found this answered here... https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/170489/the-truth-about-red-cedar-bedding
I guess there's no difference between the two and, just as with so many other issues, the real answer is ventilation!