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livingontheland - Re: [Livingontheland] any use for cedar chip bedding?

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  • From: Harvey Ussery <huboxwood@earthlink.net>
  • To: livingontheland@lists.ibiblio.org
  • Subject: Re: [Livingontheland] any use for cedar chip bedding?
  • Date: Wed, 22 Nov 2006 14:19:05 -0600


We've been using cedar chips in our chicken coops, since it smells nice and helps keep the bugs down. But I've read that it's pretty much useless as a compost ingredient. Should I give up on it and go back to straw? We do have access to copious fresh cow manure thanks to our new Dexter heifer, Stella. Would the cedar play nice if mixed with fresh poops?

--Joanna
I've read recommendations against the use of chips of aromatic woods like cedar for deep litter/bedding, not sure at the moment whether bec as you point out it resists breakdown later, or actual deleterious effects for the livestock.

How about using the cedar chips as mulch on permanent paths anywhere in the homestead? The very fact that they resist breakdown would actually be a plus there.

These days, I'm on the lookout for *all* org materials sources, am using more chips, espec as said on permanent paths, also in establ'ng "kill mulches" where I'm going to plant trees/shrubs.

~Harvey
www.themodernhomestead.us




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