I bought a little a frame hutch from Ware manufacturing. I opened the box and was floored by cedar smell. Uh oh. Called them up and they said it is made out of fir and the sealer is non-toxic. I assume the cedar smell is the sealer attempting to make the wood seem like a higher quality. I scrubbed and soaped it up, hosed it off and it's in the sun. Can still smell it though Should I be afraid to put my chicks in it? I have a few little chicks I was hoping to put in there until they are big enough to go with the big girls.
That is the sealer you smell, not cedar. The smell will gradually leave altogether. The chickens will not even notice it, if it is used outdoors.
We used Cedar Penofin to stain our run which stinks to high heaven. However, after a week there isn't a lingering smell. I wouldn't worry and I do believe the scent will go away. You can always buy some vanilla car tree air fresheners. They will make the coop smell better AND keep flies down.
