question about Lime

I use AG lime in and outside th coop - DE works better, but more money

 

As long as it's not Hydrated Lime, it's fine

 

Quote:I thought I read hydrated lime was okay...so glad you said that then. So i should stick to DE or Ag lime then?

There are three types of lime in use let me run through the processes and uses.
You get lime by burning limestone in a kiln. the result is called 'burned lime' or Quick Lime- Chemically Calcium Oxide. It is used to make mortar and Cement. It is so corrosive to flesh that it is sometimes thrown on the bodies of dead livestock when they must be buried to cause quick break down of the body. You want no part of this stuff as it it is deadly caustic but some Ag stores do carry it for its stated purpose.

The next step is to treat it with water where it gives off lots of heat as it reacts. the result is called slaked lime, hydrated lime, slack lime, or pickling lime, Chemically Calcium Hydroxide The reaction can be slow and you can be left with a mixture 0f the quick lime and slaked lime less caustic (but still strongly alkaline) This material can cause chemicla burns on tender waterfowl feet, Eye damage and mild chemical burns on Humans.

If this material is left exposed long enough it turns to chalk or Calcium Carbonate which is what oyster shells and egg shells are make of. This is of course is safe for waterfowl and required to build bones and eggshells. In less pure forms it is mined. chushed, and ground to be sold for Ag Lime to 'sweeten' soil and make it more productive.

To sum up Ag lime is safe, slaked or hydrated less safe, and Quick lime downright dangerous! The odor control function is the opposite with quick lime destroying more odor than hydrated lime which is greater than Ag lime. I hope this was some help.

 

Goosedragon, thanks for the information. I've been wondering about lime as well.

 

gd strikes again. much appreciated again.

 

Goosedragon, thanks for the clear explaination of the true differences in lime. I never understood before.

Just for clarification for people from parts of the Midwest. When we talk about Ag Lime near Chicago in rural areas we are talking about crushed limestone that is used to make a smooth construction or road type base. All the pieces are crushed to the size of a large grain of sand. My horse riding arena is 6" of "Ag Lime". When I talk about the white powdery lime that reduces odors from livestock, around here it is usually called barn lime or stall lime or garden lime.

 

Can someone fill me in on this lime talk? Its used for the smell?