Is ammonia toxic to chickens?

[jbkinor]

Seems I may have a raccoon(s) visiting my yard. Found poop but haven't seen the critter yet. Anyway, I've seen a lot of advise on putting a radio out, which I am doing tonight, and using ammonia spray or ammonia soaked rags on the pooping area(s). I thought spraying would be easier, but don't know if the chickens will be affected/poisoned. Thanks in advance for replys.

 

[TxChiknRanchers]

Chickens have an acute sense of smell. so I would think that they can smell it from a ways off an will probably avoid the area. However, if they injest it, it would be bad news as it would be for you also.

 

[jbkinor]

Okay, thanks txchickenranchers. I've got the radio on out there so will see if that does anything and not do the ammonia.

 

[TxChiknRanchers]

Is your coup predator proof and do you lock the chickens in a night?

if not thats what i would suggest doing

 

[jbkinor]

Yes, chickens are locked in the small barn (about 6X10 feet) my husband built which is inside chicken wired and netted area, tho there a small holes in the netting. The locks are those spring hook and eye things. What do you think of motion sensor lights along with the radio? Would that combo help keep coons away?

 

[lady chicken whisperer]

Ammonia is toxic to everything, including chickens and humans.

 

[jbkinor]

So how about if I soak a couple small rags in ammonia and lay them on a small portable wire fencing overnight and remove in the morning? Most websites recommended the ammonia to discourage coons from hanging around and the radio on all night in the yard didn't seem to do it. Found a new poop this morning. Would bright lights work?

 

[SandraChick]

Just a quick comment-

chicken wire keeps chickens in but it does NOT keep predators out. Raccons can "cut" right through it with their sharp claws.

I suggest you set out some traps and "take care" of the problem.

Sandra

 

[foxtrapper]

If you've got some ammonia and want to give it a try, do so. Yes, it's a known toxin, but the dosage has to be high enough to matter. A couple of ammonia soaked rags aren't going to be high enough.

As suggested, chickenwire isn't enough to hold out a coon.

Consider also electric wire fencing. Pain deterrs predators pretty well.

 

[wegotchickens]

I'd also put a strong lock on the door. Coons are dextrous and can flip a hook out of eye with no problem.