wood shavings question

[Happyfarmwife]

I think I have read somewhere that you aren't to use cedar shavings for chicken litter. It has something to do with them breathing in something that will cause them to have respitory problems. Is this correct?

We have the opportunity to get free shavings from a mill here. They run different types of wood but it all goes into the same pile. Today they are running maple, but they have done Port Orford Cedar. Is it safe for me to get these chips with the possibility that there might be some cedar shavings in with them?

I would appreciate any help, or links that someone can point me to on this subject.
Thanks!
Deborah

 

[peepsnbunnies]

Hi Deborah,
I have always heard that cedar chips/shavings are harmful to chickens and other pets too. There are a bunch of posts talking about this on BYC. just click on the 'Search' tab in the blue task bar at the top and type in cedar shavings and you will find lots to read. I just 'googled' it and there were lots of articles there too.

Lisa

 

[MagsC]

Yeah, I have heard that about cedar chips too,but I dont know if it pertains to a bit in the mix? I would think the fumes wouldnt be as bad. However, if you can possibly stay away from cedar its probably the best idea.

 

[cravenchicken]

I plan on just throwing some straw or hay down for my chickens no wood shavings at all .I am unsure if that is right or not .I don't even know where to start to get wood shavings other then walmart or petsmart and them are more for rodents not chickens..

 

[Happyfarmwife]

Thanks for the information. I think what we will do is just load off the top of the pile where we know they are maple shavings.

These are free, so that is why I am using shavings. We have been buying the pine shavings in the bales from the feed store at 8 bucks a bale! Last time we put down straw, but that isn't as good I don't think. We like having the shavings for the winter months especially so we can just add more and keep fluffing it up.

Deborah