Pallet coop

[nayeli]

Well I can't wait to find my own pallets and start my own project or for you to be able to get back to yours. Its been warming up over here but today was colder!

 

[shmeggs]

I recently got a few pallets. I was going to take them apart to use the lumber. the lumber comes apart when I try to take them apart.

 

[yogifink]

I recently got a few pallets. I was going to take them apart to use the lumber. the lumber comes apart when I try to take them apart.

Try using a saws-all (Reciprocating saw) with a metal-in-wood blade. Stick the blade between the slat (smaller piece) and the runner (2x4) and cut the nails holding them together.

Works like a charm!

 

[aart]

...and all pallets are not created equal.

Some are soft pine that might not be worth bothering with, some are thicker hardwood that are definitely worth wrassling with.

 

[nayeli]

Shmeggs, I'm sorry. I would never have anticipated that being a problem. It is probably as aart said, the pallets you got. They use various woods, if your lucky you can even find mahogany!

 

[MoonShadows]

...and all pallets are not created equal.

Some are soft pine that might not be worth bothering with, some are thicker hardwood that are definitely worth wrassling with.

You are right!

In addition to what you said, you want to know a few other things before you use pallets for your coop OR any other project.

Standard Wood Pallets will have 1 of 2 markings on the side rail:

HT means the pallet was Heat Treated: it may or may not have been exposed to chemicals during this process - Most people think this process renders pallets safe, but pallets that are HT are more susceptible to molds.

BT means the pallet was treated with Methyl Bromide, a chemical pesticide

Pallets may also be treated with other fungicides and poisons, and you won't even know about it.

Here's a little more info:

Wood pallets are like sponges – they’re porous and readily absorb water and other fluids. This creates a breeding ground for bacteria like salmonella, E. coli and Listeria that can cross-contaminate food. Wood pallets are so unhygienic that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said they must not be used in connection with food preparation because of the risk of Listeria contamination.

We used to repurpose pallets, but no longer do.

 

[raisinemright]

I will use pallets, until I start to have probablems that is. Free is in my budget. I hope a couple coats of paint and sealer will stop the horrible breeding grounds of bad Bacteria's. So far so good.

 

[nayeli]

I'm with Raisinemright. I don't really believe pallets are that unsafe.

 

[Xovan]

here is the coop we made last spring

 

[MoonShadows]

I'm with Raisinemright. I don't really believe pallets are that unsafe.

With all due respect, I do not mean to be antagonistic, but your beliefs are based upon.........? I guess it is easier to be in denial. I mean no offense by this, but what you posted is not a "belief"; it is a "hope". You can find many scientific studies that show the contaminants, poisons, pesticides and molds found on used pallets....unless you want to "believe" they are safe. Open your mind. FREE is not always good, despite what some people think. I choose to make sure my family and my livestock are safe. I don't base their safety on a "belief" because it is convenient or free or everyone is doing it.

Jim