cedar shvings, should I panic?

[silkiechicken]

I believe that cedar contains phenols in the oils found in the wood which is what gives it the sent we like. The phenols have a reactive OH group (that can react with the linings of the respiatory system) and makes the birds more susceptible to other infections. A little is ok, but if you're cooped up in a bag of it, it's not so good.


Edit: It is basically an irritant.

 

[chickbea]

Someone gave me a chicken book a while back (can't think of the name right now) about keeping backyard pet chickens. Her advice was to use all cedar to keep the coop smelling nice. I almost fell out of my chair, because every expert I have ever talked to says it is very bad for chickens (and deadly to chicks). I've never used it for any of my critters, as I hate the smell of cedar, but I found it interesting that this lady got her book published without anyone red flagging that...

 

[Cheryl]

Well, the cedar is out and the pine is in along with the chickens! The cedar will go to my brother who has 2 miniature horses...