post for the run?

[stuck-on-red]

i came across alot of railroad ties for free. they are 6" x 8" x 6'. does anyone know if there is a reason why i shoud not use them for the post in the run. over kill i know but they are free!!! the run will be 48' x 20' and the other run will be 36' x 10'. ty for the help

 

[Cindiloohoo]

They railroad ties are treated differently than regular treated wood that contains traces of arsenic...so I would look it up online and see what they use to treat them to be on the safe side.

 

[Kittymomma]

 

[teach1rusl]

We have one retaining wall made of railroad ties, and the chickens walk around on it sometimes with no ill affects. Other than being a pain in the butt to sink in a hole, I don't know of dangers any worse than treated wood (which my entire run is built of).

 

[Chicken Jack]

IMO, the railroad ties are overkill for posts in a run. They will require more effort in: a. having to make a large diameter hole, b. placing them in the hole (they are heavy) and c. either nailing or srewing into them make require a little more effort depending upon the ties. They're more attuned to be used as posts for keeping cattle and not chickens.

 

[Imp]

If they are free and you can use them; go for it.
The danger would be if chickens ate railroad ties d/t the toxins in them.

Imp- Usually they don't.