When I bought my chicks from the feed store they lined the take-home boxes with cedar shavings. I've been using hay and pine shavings in the coop but might check on cedar shavings next time I need some.I use only cedar shavings in my nest boxes, bottom of coop and in the hoop coop with my 6 week olds. No problems with hens and no problems with mites since I switched over several years ago.
Erik