Pressure Treated wood?

[LaurasLorps]

Is it okay to use pressure treated wood on the coop? Or is it harmful for the chickens. If you used pressure treated wood on your coop, did it hold up well over the years?

Thanks!

 

[Hoosierchickens]

Arsenic is no longer used in pressure treating wood so it's supposed to be safer than it used to be. That being said, I would only use pressure treated wood where it is necessary. It's only necessary where the structure will be in contact with the ground and exposed to weather. Your substructure is the only part that should need to be pressure treated wood. It will likely outlast you.

 

[Mervin]

I have pressure treated boards in the coop and run. To date, I've never seen them peck at it. Unless, of course, there was food on it. They're not at all like goats or horses. They're not going to "chew" the wood.

 

[brodavid77]

we used PTW on all our coops and pens except Rabbits, (they chew on everything)

 

[DickGJ]

Quote:
X2

 

[carolinagirl58]

The old pressure treated wood has arsenic in it. that's true. But unless the chickens chew on it, it's not going to hurt them. This type of treated wood is Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA-C). It has been taken of the general market, but is still available for farm use. the posts they sell at Tractor supply are CCA-C treated. The nice thing about this treatment is it's rated for underground use and it lasts forever. The newer treatment is what you will get at Lowes and other home supply places. the designation on the tag is CBA-A & CA-B. Still has copper, but no arsenic. It rots much faster underground.

 

[audioguy]

Hmmm, has me thinking. Our neighbor just took down a deck that must be 10+ years old, so it might still be the arsenic type. I'm thinking its been exposed for 10+ years, how much leeched out or still remains in the wood.
He is giving it to me for free, so of course I have to use some of it!

 

[carolinagirl58]

Quote:
I would use it. The only reason they passed that law was because of children on playground equipment. I don't think there was a single documented case of a person or animal becoming ill from the old type of treated lumber.

 

[DickGJ]

I agree and would use it too!

 

[Hoosierchickens]

Quote:
+1

I would definitely use it. It won't affect your chickens or you as long as you don't chew on it.