Is cedar shavings OK ?

[Youngfamily1989]

The store was out of pine so my wife picked up cedar shavings. It smells better. Have any of you ever had any problems with cedar ?

Brian

 

[speckledhen]

You should not sure cedar exclusively, especially with young chicks. It causes respiratory problems. I do, however, from time to time mix it 20% or so in with my pine shavings under the roost area, but I have no really young birds and there's plenty of ventilation.

 

[Marlinchaser]

Correct me if wrong but thought you should use some cedar in nestboxes to scare away mites/bugs

 

[speckledhen]

I do that as well, when I remember to buy some cedar, but just a couple of handfuls underneath the straw in the nests. Adults are not that affected by cedar in small amts, but you shouldn't use it as the bulk of the shavings in the coop.

 

[NewGuineaChooks]

Cedar in small enclosed spaces can overwhelm small animals, and cause serious breathing difficulties. I had a brand new pet guinea pig die from cedar shavings, before I found out about that. So, I'd suggest not using it exclusively, and/or not using it in an area where the birds can not escape from it.