We have just gotten a couple of heavy wooden storage units from a storage company going out of business. They are 5X8 feet, and 7 feet tall. Our plan is to add windows, and section off the insides as we see a need for, adding some nesting boxes, and generally fixing them up as chicken houses. They are completely predator proof. I walked into one earlier today, and realized that they are probably at least partly made of cedar.
I know not to use cedar shavings for bedding for young chickens, but I am wondering if there would also be a danger in having their "house" made of cedar, to either the young or the old ones. We have 13 grown chickens, plus one duck and one guinea, and then have 17 younger chickens in a large cage. I was hoping to use one of the units just for the younger ones, for now, until they are a bit older and can join the others. It is time to get them out of the cage. But I don't want to take a risk, if indeed it would be a risk. I haven't been able to find the answer on the internet so far.
The plan is to put a predator proof pen around the units, so the units don't have to be closed off during the night and the chickens can come and go at will. In south central Texas, we have very little really cold weather. And there will be enough windows to provide adequate ventilation. This should help cut down on the toxicity from the odor of the cedar, but I don't know if that would make a difference.
I would appreciate hearing from anyone who might have the answer.
Thank you!!
I know not to use cedar shavings for bedding for young chickens, but I am wondering if there would also be a danger in having their "house" made of cedar, to either the young or the old ones. We have 13 grown chickens, plus one duck and one guinea, and then have 17 younger chickens in a large cage. I was hoping to use one of the units just for the younger ones, for now, until they are a bit older and can join the others. It is time to get them out of the cage. But I don't want to take a risk, if indeed it would be a risk. I haven't been able to find the answer on the internet so far.
The plan is to put a predator proof pen around the units, so the units don't have to be closed off during the night and the chickens can come and go at will. In south central Texas, we have very little really cold weather. And there will be enough windows to provide adequate ventilation. This should help cut down on the toxicity from the odor of the cedar, but I don't know if that would make a difference.
I would appreciate hearing from anyone who might have the answer.
Thank you!!
