cedar shingles on tractor

[djswett]

First of all, hello!
I'm Bryan, and I'm very new to the chicken world. The whole family is extremely excited about our new members; two Sicilian Buttercups, and two Javas!

Anyway; before we even got the chicks, I built a lovely chicken tractor in the backyard (pics soon), and then, reading some poultry raising info somewhere i saw that cedar shavings are not healthy for the floor of the run. My question is: I finished the A-frame of the coop with some leftover cedar shingles that i had. Is this gonna be a problem for my chickens? They won't be in direct contact with the cedar because it's obviously outside, but should I be concerned?

This is only the first of the thousand questions I'll probably post here..... so thanks in advance.

B.

 

[Imp]

from washington

Cedar shingles are fine.

Imp

 

[patandchickens]

Absolutely, without question or possibility of intelligent debate, totally and completely FINE to use cedar shingles

Have fun,

Pat

 

[CMV]

Smart choice in using cedar. It's a wood that is naturally resistant to both rot and insects, which are the bane of everyone here who has ever tried to build a coop that lasts.

Welcome.

 

[kristenm1975]

Great chickens you chose! I don't know about Javas but Buttercups are very funny to watch and lay beautiful chalk white eggs. Enjoy! Love to see the picture!

 

[djswett]

Thanks for the info, everyone.

Nice to see a Whidbey Islander in the group!

 

[Freckle Face Farm]

 

[~*Sweet Cheeks*~]

Another Pacific NW Welcome

Very smart to use the cedar shingles. Can't wait to see pics.

 

[mechagrue]

Deception Pass here! Maybe some day we can organize a Skagit County coop tour!

I just wanted to add that the reason shingles are fine but cedar shavings are not is the fumes from the cedar.

With shavings, the wood is fresher, and the fumes are stronger. And your chickens are directly exposed to the fumes - both from their proximity to the shavings, and because the fumes are contained within the coop. (The toxic fumes are what gives cedar shavings their insecticidal/flea-repellent properties.)

Shingles have usually had more time to off-gas the cedar oil. And since they are up on the roof, the chickens don't have any exposure.