interior protectant

[pickled eggs]

I gained another two chickens (Barred Rocks)

from my nieghbor, so I am building another coop that I can accomadate even more after them later. This coop I designed so that the roof hinges open and the sides open outward. The roost and the laying box are all removeable. That way I can get in there with a hose once a year for some serious cleaning. My question to you peeples is this: Would boiled linseed oil be harmful to my pets if I use it to coat the inside of the coop? I am thinking it might be a insect repellant for mites and other pests. It is very water resistant and best yet its free. Thanks in advance...

 

[JohnL11935]

The only use I have heard for boiled linseed oil is as a wood finish. I did a quick search for insect repellant properties and couldn't find any. Any "oil" that is sprayed on an insect will kill it. But I don't see how painting the inside of your coop will accomplish this.

Search on these boards for "DE" (Diatomaceous Earth) "Sevin Dust," and probably also "Dust Bath."

These are all widely accepted means of controlling mites, ect.


Hope this helps.

 

[JohnL11935]

I came across this artical from Backyard Poultry Magazine that may also hlp you with controlling mites.


http://www.backyardpoultrymag.com/issues/2/2-5/Laura_E_John.html



Enjoy!

 

[Cetawin]

I am going to check further into the linseed oil issue because I know it is child-safe and will not harm crawlers that happen to teethe on furniture. Good question.

 

[Dustoff79]

Linseed oil will not harm your pets. In woodworking, it is used to seal the small pores of the wood, and to seal end cuts prior to staining the wood. It does not have any repellant properties after applied. It will however, likely kill any mites that are present when you first apply it. Some people use it on the roost to help seal the wood. It is really your choice. If you do use it, you will not be able to paint the wood with latex paint as it will not adhear will (oil to latex) rather an oil based paint will.

 

[pickled eggs]

Thank you for the comments and the links, very useful to me...The main reason I wanted to use it is because I obtained a quart of the stuff for free and wanted to put it to good use.

 

[stacym]

I use linseed oil on my garden implements every year. It works great to protect the wood when I forget and leave them out in the rain. Drawback is that it is stinky stuff and the directions of disposal of the excess had me scared. Highly flammable until it is dry. Once it's dry you won't even know that it was ever there other than the wood will look nice.