Pine and Cedar shavings are dangerous

[countrygirl74]

The package does not say "kild-dried" - should it? I still have the packages sitting in my yard to see if they air out a bit before putting them in the runs... it just smells so strong I worry that it's unsafe.

 

[Suzierd]

The package does not say "kild-dried" - should it? I still have the packages sitting in my yard to see if they air out a bit before putting them in the runs... it just smells so strong I worry that it's unsafe.

 

Yes it should say right on it. Mine says Pure Screened, Kiln dried right on it. If it smells that strong and is not kiln dried I would not use it.

 

[countrygirl74]

Update!! I decided to call the number on the package to talk to the actual manufacturer. Found out that the packages WERE kiln-dried BUT when I explained the packaging to them, they said I had purchased their "mix" that contained cedar! The packages did not state kiln-dried or list the contents but when I visited their website, everything is listed as kiln-dried. The person I talked to on the phone also confirmed that. I had just ended up with the wrong "pine shavings". When I had asked for pine shavings at the feed store, they gave me the ones that were on sale but I thought they were "pure" pine shavings.
So... I took them back. They happily exchanged them for me and I got actual pine shavings. These are waaayyy better! The cedar mix was seriously giving me a headache and there was no way I was going to put that into the coop. Funny thing is, some of the ladies that work at the feed store say they've used that mix for years and have never had any issues with it. But personally, I couldn't have stood to go into the coops if I had put that in there. It was making ME sick, so I was concerned about what it would do to my girls.
Anyway, just thought I would share... read the package carefully (although that didn't help me this time since the package was not labeled very well) and double-check with the seller to make sure you are not getting a "mix".

 

[Suzierd]

Wow, good thing you called them. Nice that they exchanged them for you.

 

[ellyn]

I appreciate your comment here, practical! I used pine shavings even with my chicks in small quantity to help absorb their mess. No issues.

 

[JacobMaxwell]

I have heard cedar gives off fumes and is not good for chickens for bedding. I have used pine shavings for yearrs with no problems at all.

I have had my hens on cedar shavings for almost a year now with no problems. They haven't even had one sickness and they lay very well. Are you sure that the whole fumes thing isn't just a scam by the companies that distribute pine shavings?

 

[Den in Penn]

I have had my hens on cedar shavings for almost a year now with no problems. They haven't even had one sickness and they lay very well. Are you sure that the whole fumes thing isn't just a scam by the companies that distribute pine shavings?

If it were a scam then the old time cedar chests and cedar lined closets would not exist. If you are free ranging them from a very well ventilated coop, then they are not getting the concentrated fumes from a more closed up environment.

 

[baileyspencer82]

I am about to venture into my first chicken raising adventure, although I am beside myself with excitement I also have new mommy jitters and concerns. My father was an avid chicken breeder and maintained a moderately sized coop for almost thirty years until he lost his home two years ago.
He has been an amazing help in the preparation of my chicks coming, from building a brooder to helping me build the most fantastic hen house and run. He even purchased their feed for me. I trust his abilities and smart when it comes to every chicken related concern.
So basically what I am getting at is: although my adventure and experiences are just beginning, my father is an expert. He recommended pine shavings for the brooder. So that is what I will be using for my chicks, who's hatch day is April 29! Chickens are just like people, they have personalities and allergies and can have bad days or good. Each one is different in their own way and deserve unconditional love.
To each their own experience. I wish all my fellow chicken lovers the best of luck with their chickens.

 

[JacobMaxwell]

I am about to venture into my first chicken raising adventure, although I am beside myself with excitement I also have new mommy jitters and concerns. My father was an avid chicken breeder and maintained a moderately sized coop for almost thirty years until he lost his home two years ago.
He has been an amazing help in the preparation of my chicks coming, from building a brooder to helping me build the most fantastic hen house and run. He even purchased their feed for me. I trust his abilities and smart when it comes to every chicken related concern.
So basically what I am getting at is: although my adventure and experiences are just beginning, my father is an expert. He recommended pine shavings for the brooder. So that is what I will be using for my chicks, who's hatch day is April 29! Chickens are just like people, they have personalities and allergies and can have bad days or good. Each one is different in their own way and deserve unconditional love.
To each their own experience. I wish all my fellow chicken lovers the best of luck with their chickens.

I would certainly never use cedar in a brooder. I can see how it would be overwhelming for chicks. Furthermore, in my coop, I don't use the commonly sold aromatic cedar, just regular cedar from a local sawmill. And the best part is, it's completely free!

 

[cubalaya]

Nope, no chickens, and yes I read it from books. That is why I mentioned that I read it in books.

I am just saying there could be an issue with chicks according to some people, and it isn't worth the risk for me. I don't go for the "I have always done it that way so it must be ok" theories. I bet 98% of the time it will be just fine, but I have read of multiple situations where it was an issue, so why risk it? I will probably use pine in my coop, but I am going to avoid it with my babies.

the 'i have always done it that way so it must be ok' theory is not theory but proven. i would try that over some book. if it has worked successfully for all these long time chicken keepers,(me included) then maybe the person that wrote the book doesn't know what they are writing about. pine is fine.