Is Redwood OK to use for bedding

[flashmayo]

I recently milled some old redwood deck boards and have 2 garbage bags of shavings. Is this stuff OK to use for the bedding in either the run or the coop, or even for DLR? The boards were dirty, but all the stain had been baked out of them years before the milling.

Thanks,

Flash

 

[RJSorensen]

Welcome to BYC first off… on the Redwood, I am not sure. I would lean toward it should be ok. I have not ever heard of it being on a don't use listing such as Cedar. However it needs be 'shavings' not saw dust. Saw dust, should it be ingested tends toward binding up birds. A peck here or there is not a worry, but the 'dust' I suppose is mistaken for 'feed' and has led to problems down the road.

So with that in mind, if it is shavings, perhaps you could give it a go. The run might be best… if you have choices.

Best to you and your birds,

RJ

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome! I would use it as mulch around the shrubs, not in the coop or run. I think that there's a toxicity problem, but not sure. Just be cautious. Mary

 

[flashmayo]

It sure stings when you get a redwood splinter under your fingernail.
So pine is the preferred material for run and coop bedding?

 

[Folly's place]

Yes, pine is best, and available at farm stores in bales. Mary