lime insted of DE

[ellenscub]

Quote:
any answer?? DH brought home hydrated lime powder. The feed store told him that that is what farmers use. Do I just put it out and let them have at it or should I wait until they are "in the bed" to apply it?

 

[Bawkadoodledoo]

don't give it to them at all. hydrated lime burns organic material and it will maul or kill your hens. you need agricultural lime, not hydrated.

 

[SusanJoM]

Listen to Bawkadoodledoo
and read these descriptions of the two products"
Hydrated Lime: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calcium_hydroxide
Agricultural Lime: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agricultural_lime

Susan

 

[Stephen in SoKY]

Hydrated lime has neither maimed nor killed any poultry here for the last umpteen years. In fact, this is a direct quote from the Wiki listings above: : "In livestock farming, hydrated lime can be used, as a 'disinfectant' measure, producing a dry and alkaline environment, in which bacteria do not readily multiply."

So, by the Wikipedia description above, you have exactly the correct product. FWIW, you have the product countless farmers have used for your intended purpose for many years. Aglime has little short term effects. Hydrated lime acts quickly as a dessicant and premise coccidiostat.

Once again, sorry if this seems argumentative, but misinformation should not be allowed to become the perceived truth. Hydrated lime is fine.

 

[ellenscub]

Oh what a tangled web we weave. Use-don't use??????
I think I will consult my brother, he has a chicken farm.
Thanks for all your help:/