Cedar Shavings?

[FreeRangeSpirit]

Last year I used cedar shavings to raise my chicks and 1 out of 35 died. I read some where that they are toxic. Is that true? I also use them as shavings for my adult chickens.

 

[rehric00]

I use them with no issues
I would say if they are toxic more would have died, I think 1/30 is good. generally about 10% die from natural causes.

 

[cafarmgirl]

It's more that the oils in cedar are very aromatic and can be very irritating to the respiratory system of any animal. Birds especially have sensitive respiratory systems but any animal that is close to the ground and basically living in the shavings 24/7 can get irritated by the fumes. So you won't necessarily see dead birds per say but you could possibly have chicks, or birds later on, with respiratory issues. I know I wouldn't want to have to live/sleep in cedar and be constantly breathing in that smell 24/7!