Railroad ties as building material?

[sylonis]

Hi, I am getting ready to build a new coop and yard for my future chickens/ducks. I want to use some old railroad ties that are lying around for their yard which will be completely enclosed (lots of predators where we live). Will the ties be safe to use for chickens and ducks since they are covered in creosote?
Thanks!

 

[papajoe]

I would be hesitant to use the ties, chickens will be pecking at the wood for little critters to eat and may ingest some creasote

 

[togo54]

I would not worry about it myself. Pretty much all wood that is prepared for an "outdoor environment" has a chemical treatment that doesn't agree with Mother Earth News. Shipping pallets, the siding on your house and numerous other wood products. We live in a chemical world.