Cedar vs Pine shavings

[Mac]

Which are the best to use in the hen house? I have heard cedar shavings, although aromatic, are toxic to chickens. Is this true?

Thanks,
Mac

 

[Chellester]

That's what I've heard as well. I'd play it safe and use pine shavings.

 

[speckledhen]

The aromatic oils apparently do something to the chickens' respiratory systems, but chicks are more vulnerable than adult chickens to that. I do sprinkle a handful of cedar under the straw in nest boxes and sometimes a little around under the roost among the pine shavings. It seems to help with odor and bugs without causing any harm used in small amounts.

 

[Smoky73]

I have also heard that but, due to having lots of hidden mites I was not aware of on my silkies, I started adding 1/3 cedar to 2/3 pine and havent had a problem. I added pure cedar to my nesting boxes though, with no ill effects.

 

[Sharona]

whew! glad I read this - I had the cedar - gives me an excuse to go to Rural King tonight!

Some women like Macy's, Target, etc - my favorite is
Rural King!

(and I don't even care if it makes me weird!)