Hi everyone, I have been visiting your awesome web sight for about a year now learning all I can about chickens. My coop will supposedly be ready in a month and am so excited to get my chickens and a few guinea hens for tick control. I live in Minnesota near the river so the ticks are many. You guys have so much practical info that its been really helpful. After much reading my question is this, my future hens will be free ranged on four fenced in acres, on said property are numerous white cedar trees and some other type of cedar trees along with ash and a few remaining elms. Earlier in the year my husband and I cut down quite a few just so we can keep the land manageable before everything gets to huge. It's amazing, like my own personal park. We chipped up many of these trees and have numerous piles of cedar chips scattered in a few areas in the woods, the girls will have access to these areas, I have read that cedar is bad for the birds, is this true only in enclosed areas and can they be harmed by being around the chip piles in the outdoors? Thank you for your input and look forward to posting pictures of my girls and their new home.
[Welcome to BYC from California wine country in the Western Sierra Foothills! Cedar chips are fine in open spaces.
Hello from Oregon & welcome to BYC. Cedar causes repertory issues in lots of animals. From what ive researched and heard from different people Cedar has an aromatic oil in it that will irritate their respiratory system. Lots of people use pine although Pine can cause irritations as well but its said to be linked to an allergen. Your ventilation is important. Ive never had an issue with Pine. When my new coop is built im going to use sand on the floor & shavings in the nest boxes. Do lots of research & best of luck with your flock