Not just chickens. It’s toxic to most animals. They really should not sell it but they do. Not sure why. Maybe cause it is fairly cheap or cause the aroma maybe reduces/covers up the animal stink somewhat? But it is toxic to small animals (rats, mice, hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, parakeets, etc. etc. basically all the animals they sell it for) and I think maybe even dogs and cats. But it is especially bad for the small animals because they are living directly on it and often not in the best ventilated cages or tanks and of course their little bodies and tiny little lungs can’t handle it. And then it’s also really bad for birds because birds in general are extremely sensitive to any fumes or odors or anything like that which is why they say not to keep parrots and such near kitchens or bathrooms cause of the fumes which can kill them. So you can see why it would be bad for baby chicks. Kind of a double whammy combo of being a bird so already a more sensitive respiratory system and then having the tiny little body and directly on the shavings. So yeah, basically, they should NOT sell it and are poisoning animals but the pet stores and feed stores don’t care. :/
Also, in the future, if you can get some Poultry Nutri-Drench to have on hand that is really good stuff too and also helps perk them up fast. It is like a vitamin blend thing. Liquid so you can put it in their water or directly in their mouths.
