I brought some new bedding for the chicks today. It said pine bedding on the package but it has a real strong smell. I'm thinking there is some cedar mixed in it. Will this be ok for my 2 week old chicks? I've look the package over but no listing of whats in it. I have them on it now and they seem to be ok. Marsha
If you lay it out on a tray and let it air out for a few hours the smell will weaken enough to where it should be safe to use. I've heard the oils in the wood can be dangerous but I have used pine shavings for a very long time without and problems, but I do air it out a bit before I use it.
Since this is not an emergency, I am moving this to the Raising Baby Chicks forum for better response.
Open the package and let it air out. There is extra moisture in the shavings you bought so the smell is much stronger than you would normally notice. It happens quite often. It is still safe for chicks.
I've used this stuff for my chicks. Its very absorbant and inexpensive. It probably doesn' thave any cedar in it, I highly dought it. This bedding has always had a stronger smell to it though. My hamsters and my chicks use it and have no problems.