roundup and chickens.

[yyz0yyz0]

I'm still in the process of building the coop/run for our 7 chicks we are keeping in the garage till I'm done with the build.

I was mowing and weedwacking the yard yesterday and I got to wondering about using Roundup in a yard that will have chickens free ranging occasionally? I would not be using it near the coop/run but am worried about them accessing the areas that have been sprayed when free ranging.

Is there a "rule of thumb" such as don't let them out for 1 week after roundup applications, or something to that effect? We have lots of PI(do chickens like PI?) and weeds growing up through cracks in the sidewalk, etc etc. I'm not proud that I use roundup but it fits our need at this time.

So bottom line is roundup a complete NO NO when having chickens or can it be used safely in moderation if certain guidelines are followed?

thanks

 

[JackE]

That's what I use around my fence perimeter. I had at the time 400'(Now have 600') of electrified poultry netting/fence. I would pull up and move a section of fence, mow, then replace fence. Then of course, there was a lot of finagling to get the fence back nice and tight. After doing that for a month, I figured the heck with this, There has to be a better way. Down went the roundup. The birds were out when the fence line was sprayed. I don't think they even messed with the sprayed perimeter, they probably didn't like the smell or something. Anyway, I've been using it over a year, nobody's sick or died. I get plenty of eggs year round, and they are as good as ever. You can check it out in the pic below.
Jack

 

[cluckiemama]

I would not spray any pesticide or herbicide anywhere near my chickens. What if there is build up of toxins and chemicals over years? What if there is delayed or long term damage? I would worry about the chicks, but also about my family of egg lovers!

 

[JackE]

I would not spray any pesticide or herbicide anywhere near my chickens. What if there is build up of toxins and chemicals over years? What if there is delayed or long term damage? I would worry about the chicks, but also about my family of egg lovers!

You ever hear of Monsanto? Are you aware of how much of our food is grown with Roundup resistant crops, in fields sprayed with the stuff? Now I'm not here to promote and sell Roundup, But come on, I don't think the little I use on a fence line is going to make any difference compaired to what we are already exposed to.
Jack