IS TREATED WOOD BAD FOR CHICKENS?

[Fawn and Fam]

I heard that treated lumber is poisonous to chickens. Is that true?

 

[Judy]

Many people use treated wood around chickens, since the chemicals have changed in recent years from the more toxic compoinds used in the past.

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

Treated wood is fine to use.for building coops and runs

 

[Alaskan]

If you are worried, you can always paint the wood....makes it harder for the chemicals to leach out.

 

[Wrooster]

If you're going to paint it, you might have to wait several weeks or more until it's dry enough. It's often saturated when you buy it. It also destroys metal fasteners (nails, screws, staples) unless you have the right kind.

 

[Fawn and Fam]

What is the right kind?

 

[yogifink]

It will be easiest to ask at the hardware store, so that they can point you in the direction you need. You'll be looking for coated or galvanized hardware.


Wait at least a few MONTHS (most environments) before painting. Treated lumber is 'wet', and needs to dry before you paint.

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

What is the right kind?

Use "deck screws" or galvanized nails

 

[Judy]

Yup, there are specific products for painting/staining treated wood. You need to wait, but when it's ready, you need to paint or stain for longest life. Stores where they sell materials to build your own deck have the products, and hopefully, an employee with the information.

 

[Wrooster]

What is the right kind?

Several good answers already. They stopped using arsenic in treated wood a few years back and now use copper, which is less poisonous but just as hard on fasteners. Our deck was built 20 years ago and all the screws in the railing have rusted. At best they show through the paint, at worst they break when you try to unscrew them - or are already broken. I believe they were galvanized but not enough. I spent some time with Google to see what I need, found the spec and the rights words to look for on the box, and couldn't find anything with the right spec at Home Depot. They do have lots of screws that say they are for treated wood and I bought some, but if it's critical, use stainless. For chickens, I'd consider price and availability.