New to chickens

[Poultry Master1]

I'm new to chickens I've had many different types of pets in the past but never farm animals so this is new to me I have selected a breed I'm interested in and plan to order the chicks in a week I just want to make sure I have everything set up first. Which leads me to my question. My question is can I use rabbit bedding for the chick brooder. I have heard lots of people say no cedar chips because of the oils but I have seen no mention of using rabbit/guinea pig bedding with chicks.

 

[drumstick diva]

Lots of folks seem to use pine shavings. I have no idea what rabbit folks use, so cannot offer advice on that. Welcome to Backyard chickens.

 

[Jucodeo]

I'm new to chickens I've had many different types of pets in the past but never farm animals so this is new to me I have selected a breed I'm interested in and plan to order the chicks in a week I just want to make sure I have everything set up first. Which leads me to my question. My question is can I use rabbit bedding for the chick brooder. I have heard lots of people say no cedar chips because of the oils but I have seen no mention of using rabbit/guinea pig bedding with chicks.

Hello
@Poultry Master1 I am so happy you joined us and I would like to say...

!
Well your questions is very interesting. My answer is I see no issue in using rabbit bedding. When I had my pet rabbit my chickens used to go in there and visit my rabbit. My chicken who was a Copper Maran grew very close to my rabbit and they ended up living with each other in the rabbit cage. I made some additions and put a nesting area and my chicken and rabbit lived together! I wouldnt recommend that but my chickens lived just fine in there. Then my rabbit had cancer and when my rabbit died my chicken still lived in the coop. Eventually my chicken started starving so I introduced him to my pet bird and lets just say my chicken is still living in a bird cage with her. Also dont recommend it lol. My point is that using rabbit bedding is fine. I will also leave you some helpful links that you should check out here on BYC.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center
https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/40/family-life-stories-pictures-updates
https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/11/raising-baby-chicks

I wish you the best of luck and I hope my story helped you!
Justin

 

[Poultry Master1]

Thank for the links I was just concerned because I read chicks have very sensitive respiratory systems so when I went to put some the bedding in my brooder I realized I had no idea if you could even do that but thanks for the advice.

 

[Jucodeo]

Anytime I am happy I could help!
Justin

 

[Athaid]

Hey poultry master, Welcome to BYC

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!