Addition to existing run

[Organic Gal]

I currently have a 12 foot run with a roof (7ft is under the coop) and I wanted to extend the run another 12 feet. The addition would not have a roof like the first 12 feet does. Is it ok to use treated 2X4's for this additional run?

 

[Mtnboomer]

Yes and no. Treated 2x lumber is not always rated for ground contact but sometimes for above grade use only. "In Ground" or "below grade" timbers will be labeled as such and are typically 4x4, 4x6, and 6x6. Ground contact timbers may rest on surface but not burried.
Use 4x4 for in ground supports and 2x4s for bracing.

 

[Organic Gal]

Yes and no. Treated 2x lumber is not always rated for ground contact but sometimes for above grade use only. "In Ground" or "below grade" timbers will be labeled as such and are typically 4x4, 4x6, and 6x6. Ground contact timbers may rest on surface but not burried.
Use 4x4 for in ground supports and 2x4s for bracing.

Thanks I didn't know that however I do have 4X4 that I was going to use for the ground.

 

[Organic Gal]

I also wanted to verify that using treated lumber for the run wouldn't be toxic to the chickens

 

[Mtnboomer]

I also wanted to verify that using treated lumber for the run wouldn't be toxic to the chickens

Most treated timber today uses micronized copper and studies have shown it to be safe to be used around gardens and livestock. Although i have read that trace amounts of chemicals may be detected in the soil, it was in amounts so small that values were not able to be obtained.

Years ago arsenic was used in the wood as a pesticide against wood eating insects but that is no longer the case.

I have PT for my coop supports and run fencing support. But if you are still concerned, cedar is naturally rot and insect resistant. Home depots in the deep south sell cedar in stock but farther north its a special order. The upsides are no chemicals and much much lighter in weight. Downside is of course the price.

 

[AllenK RGV]

The setup you describe is basically what we've done for our run except for the fencing supports we used those little cheap landscaping timbers. Just be advised if you're using treated lumber you'll probably buy it wet and it's going to warp up on you. We just put Barn paint on it after the timbers dried. The timbers war sunk into the ground into post holes and concrete. we only have wintertime hawk predators to stress out about around here and the chicken are real good at hugging the fence wire anyways. We've only lost chicks to avian predators this winter.

 

[Mtnboomer]

The setup you describe is basically what we've done for our run except for the fencing supports we used those little cheap landscaping timbers. Just be advised if you're using treated lumber you'll probably buy it wet and it's going to warp up on you. We just put Barn paint on it after the timbers dried. The timbers war sunk into the ground into post holes and concrete. we only have wintertime hawk predators to stress out about around here and the chicken are real good at hugging the fence wire anyways. We've only lost chicks to avian predators this winter.

Landscape timbers will eventually rot if in contact with the soil. They do not have the same resistance as a 4x4. Their longevity will be determined by moisture and amount of constant soil contact.
Here in VA, LT installed vertically, the ends will rot at the surface of the ground after about 3 yrs. If used as for retaining soil in raised beds etc the backsides can show signs of rot in as little as 2 yrs and fall apart in as few as 4. Some last longer or at least appear to, but odds are they are already beginning to fail in these situations.
They work very well for flower beds and small raised garden beds but keep in mind they will not have the lifespan of treated lumber.

I hope yours prove me wrong.

Depending on how long of time since the pressure treated lumber has been treated will determine when to paint it. A simple test is to drop a bead of water on it. If it remains in nice round droplet, the wood is too "wet" and not ready for paint. If the water is absorbed, then the wood will take paint with less likelihood of it peeling.

 

[Organic Gal]

Most treated timber today uses micronized copper and studies have shown it to be safe to be used around gardens and livestock. Although i have read that trace amounts of chemicals may be detected in the soil, it was in amounts so small that values were not able to be obtained.

Years ago arsenic was used in the wood as a pesticide against wood eating insects but that is no longer the case.

I have PT for my coop supports and run fencing support. But if you are still concerned, cedar is naturally rot and insect resistant. Home depots in the deep south sell cedar in stock but farther north its a special order. The upsides are no chemicals and much much lighter in weight. Downside is of course the price.

Thank you. You have been very helpful. Now all I need is to talk my brother(s) into helping me. I don't think I can do this myself.