cedar.

[Bigdaddythornton]

First, I am a newbie with lots of questions. I have read that cedar is toxic to chickens and not to use in coops or nesting areas. However I have lots of cedar fencing and cedar boards on my barn and coop area. Do I need to keep the chickens who are free ranging aways from this area. If they have plenty to eat do they choose to eat the cedar anyway. I have 6 black astralorps hens and 3 roosters but am looking at adding more different types. I just wanted to make sure I didn't have to quit before I began.

 

[elmo]

It's mostly cedar shavings that are the problem and it's the odor from them more than anything else. It's fine to use cedar lumber...just not that aromatic kind that they sell for cedar closets (not that you'd be likely to use that for your fence, etc., anyway).

 

[BWKatz]

As long as it is in an open area it's fine. Youjust don't want to use it in an enclosed area like the inside walls of ur coop or floor shavings. It irritates their respiratory system & makes them more susceptible to infections.

 

[Bigdaddythornton]

Thanks Elmo and Katz for the quick response. This is old cedar 1x4 fencing. Doubt if there is much odor left in any of it.