Cedar toxic for chix?

Hey, does anyone know for sure if cedar is toxic to chix? I have ready access to a lot of cedar shavings, but I read somewhere to avoid them? Any help would be greatly appreciated...Scott

This message was edited Feb 27, 2008 12:13 PM

YES...... its is VERY bad. I cant tell you anything other than i have read where people thought it cant be so bad ....and then the chicks died.

I've read the same thing--I'll check to see where.

Ideal Hatchery certainly says not to use cedar--it is in big capital letters on their "what to do when the chicks arrive" web page. But I've heard other people say they've used them for years with no problem. I'd stay away--that way you know if any of the chicks gets ill, its not the cedar, and you can look for the real cause. Good Luck!

I read at a couple hatchery order pages in 'info' that cedar
is toxic to chicks. Otherwise, I would rent a chipper and go
to town!

All hail princess Tammy

Does that apply to all types of pine?

Thanks all for the confirmation. I knew free shavings were 2GTBT!

Kel, any pine is fine, only cedar is apparently toxic.

all pine is fine. cedar is toxic cause of something in the wood when mixed with pee or poo makes a toxin that causes respitory problems and they can develope nemonia and die from it. i can't think of the name of it but it's the same with most small or baby animals not just chicks.

Free cedar just means you need to get a bunny too :)

Yeah right, Cuckoo - Why don't you call my wife and have that conversation - let me know how I made out...LOL...LOL

cedar is toxic to all small animals includeing bunnies.