Chicken Run Floor Material

[AinaWGSD]

why is cedar toxic to chickens?

Cedar (and to a lesser extent, pine) contain phenols that can cause respiratory problems. Studies have shown that they cause changes to liver function (the ones linked in this article are on small animals, but I think I remember reading about people working in the lumber industry having similar liver changes)

I imagine the old cedar chips that have been airing out for a year are probably past the point of being a significant threat. But I personally wouldn't use fresh cedar as bedding, even in a run.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Interesting article:

https://bitchinchickens.com/2020/12/14/myth-buster-are-cedar-shavings-toxic-to-chickens/

This is pretty much my approach - though note that the writer is from western CAN (and I'm in Pacific NW) and western red cedar is just part of any local wood chip mix you get. Just like the writer my coop is also well ventilated, the wood chips are left to sit out and age, and mixed with other woods. No respiratory issues in my flock thus far.

 

[paintedChix]

Garden mulch sounds like a good option! I agree with you, sand would be very heavy to haul in. I hadn't thought of a sandbox but I'll add that into our plans as well!

Sandbox is a dust bath. Can be purchased (kiddie pool, bins), made (tire, wood slabs, framed out like raised bed) or added to an open area that you remove run litter from.

Ingredients vary - sand, dirt from your property, wood ash (from Woodstock, fireplace, bonfire or burn pile), maybe some DE.

 

[Harley94087]

I can get chips from local arborists, random woods, wondering about using them in the chicken yard. Thoughts?

 

[rosemarythyme]

I can get chips from local arborists, random woods, wondering about using them in the chicken yard. Thoughts?

Should be fine. I prefer knowing what's in my chip mix but that's not always possible.