Using asphalt millings in my chicken run..... toxic?

I've been considering using asphalt millings as a floor in my chicken run. I figured this would give my chickens some grit and make it easier to clean out the run from time to time. It would also keep the mud down. My driveway is currently made out of millings so the chickens have access to them anyways when free ranging. I'm concerned about the possible toxicity of the petroleum based asphalt millings leeching into the eggs. Has anyone found any research to confirm or dispute this idea?

I could use gravel instead, however the chickens will still have access to my driveway most days anyways. Thoughts??

I have never looked for research. I just assume everyone considered petroleum based things to be toxic.
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http://www.who.int/ipcs/publications/cicad/cicad59_rev_1.pdf


http://www.invw.org/content/new-studies-toxic-asphalt-sealants-threaten-kids-cause-air-pollution

I don't think I'd eat the chickens or eggs.

I would agree that asphalt is toxic and made from petroleum products. I can also say that many farms use asphalt millings as an inexpensive alternative to costly stone driveways. I am sure many chickens and other birds and critters are exposed to this product and I wonder if any research can show that it can or has been absorbed by chickens or found in eggs.

Recently I started my own business and decided to repair the parking space in front of my office. After contacting several companies, which gave me unbelievably expensive offers, I found http://www.midatlanticasphalt.com/ . People there were really polite and their services were in a really reasonable prizes.

BackyardPower said:

I would agree that asphalt is toxic and made from petroleum products. I can also say that many farms use asphalt millings as an inexpensive alternative to costly stone driveways. I am sure many chickens and other birds and critters are exposed to this product and I wonder if any research can show that it can or has been absorbed by chickens or found in eggs.

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I know this is an old post but we are considering asphalt millings in our driveway. You mentioned you have the same for your driveway. Did the chickens eat some? Did it impact their health?

leighks said:

I know this is an old post but we are considering asphalt millings in our driveway. You mentioned you have the same for your driveway. Did the chickens eat some? Did it impact their health?

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Around here I can find crushed limestone (grade 6 typically) really cheap. Recycled concrete is even cheaper. Both of these compact well for a drive way while also draining well thanks to the course shape of the stones. I feel they would also be better options around poultry than asphalt millings.

Back when I began raising chickens over 50 years ago, my Grandpa and dad advised me to use burnt motor oil as a coating on roost poles to keep lice and mites at bay. In those days, the NC DOT would also spray burnt motor oil on dirt roads to keep the dust down. It seemed to work but that was a different time.

BReeder! said:

Around here I can find crushed limestone (grade 6 typically) really cheap. Recycled concrete is even cheaper. Both of these compact well for a drive way while also draining well thanks to the course shape of the stones. I feel they would also be better options around poultry than asphalt millings.

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I agree, but where I am the crushed limestone cheapest option is $48/ cu yd and the millings are $35/ cu yd. We need around 18 cu yd so that’s why we were considering millings. I haven’t found a place with crushed concrete unfortunately.

leighks said:

I agree, but where I am the crushed limestone cheapest option is $48/ cu yd and the millings are $35/ cu yd. We need around 18 cu yd so that’s why we were considering millings. I haven’t found a place with crushed concrete unfortunately.

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Call concrete suppliers in your area. Ozinga and Prairie are the big ones here. They have yards and quarries in the area that will supply crushed concrete.

leighks said:

I know this is an old post but we are considering asphalt millings in our driveway. You mentioned you have the same for your driveway. Did the chickens eat some? Did it impact their health?

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Glad you found this, was going to tag you.