Mud Hole :)

[chickens really]

I’ve used it for about 5 years or longer. I’ve not had any issues.

Pine or cedar?

 

[Jennifer22388]

Cedar shavings

 

[chickens really]

Cedar shavings

Well it's not good. Glad your enjoying the cedar..

 

[Jennifer22388]

It’s what works for me.

 

[PirateGirl]

I think the cedar is a bigger issue in enclosed spaces where birds and/or small animals are trapped with the fumes, inside a small coop or hamsters in a 10 gallon aquarium, etc. It's also a bigger issue for ducklings (and small animals) who are closer to the ground and inhale more of the fumes and dust vs. adults who are higher up. Again, being outdoors in an open air environment is going to be safer for sure. Think being in the car with the windows closed and someone smoking a cigarette vs. being outside, it can be quite a big difference in how much it affects you.

 

[Jennifer22388]

Our coop is airy so the fumes aren’t bad, the smell is gone after 1 day!

 

[True Patriot]

Sand is the best bet for displacing water. If a wet area is an issue anything organic or fibrous will retain moisture extending the drying time. Mineral based material having a higher specific gravity will displace the water. Causing it to run off to a lower elevation. Assuming the coop/pen is not the lowest point, sand will give the most bang for the buck at keeping an area dry. Quantity and cost would be the deciding factor. Bulk is always cheaper than bagged. To calculate how much is needed. Multiply length x width x depth all in inches( min recommend depth for sand is 2 inches) take your total and divide by 1728. A 50lb bag of sand is 0.5 cu ft.