treated lumber? no good?

[lookout78]

I am new to the forum and this is my first post...

I recently received a bunch of free treated wood (Yella Wood, and the Lowe's equivalent) and would like to use it in building the coop. However, I don't want to use it if it will poison the chickens, eggs, etc. I understand it is acceptable to use it in the foundation, but not cool to use it any where else?

Is this the overall rule? I would hate to waste all the free wood, but clearly don't want to use it if it is bad news.

I have looked on here and on the internet, but cannot find a definitive answer. Thanks in advance?

 

[Pumpkinpup]

All of my outdoor coops are made of treated lumber and I have never had any problems with it. I have had chickens for many years and know many others who only use treated lumber as well. It should not cause you any problems.

Edited to add,

 

[cmom]

You can use the treated wood under your floor but otherwise I wouldn't.

 

[Mac in Wisco]

Well, in certified organic operations it isn't allowed to be used where the birds can contact it. Otherwise it is up to you. I doubt you will find anything that gives a definitive yes or no for chickens. Some will say "Ahh, go ahead it won't hurt them". Others will say "Better safe than sorry". You'll have to decide for yourself.


Added:

That's really funny... I was writing the above as the previous two posts were added, and they said exactly what I said they would.

 

[redoak]

Most of my coop is treated lumber but my chickens have no contact with it. Sheet vinyl floor, painted OSB interior walls and vinyl siding exterior walls.

 

[Omran]

well I guess it will hurt them only if they eat it, so far non of my chickens ate the coop, and I have alot of treated lumber in my coop.

 

[2468Chickensrgr8]

Along time ago when my husband i first bought our first home and I was pregnant with our first child ...we spent ALOT of money making a veggie garden and we bought alot of treated wood to egde the garden ...it was a foot or more high and this local well known gardener(from the Univercity) who was landscaping for companys we worked at back then found out after we finished and he had told us to pull the wood up and replace it because of the Chemicals in the wood that they seep out into the ground etc etc...so I am not sure if the chickens peck at it what they would digest etc.......I know in my coop they have enjoyed pecking this one little hole in the wood to make it bigger....I know at the local school grounds and parks they have been replacing the playgrounds that were made of treated wood....Just my 2 cents

 

[Buckaroo]

Dude, don't use that wood, it will cantaminate your flock, exspecialy yellow wood. Hens soak this up, and is passed through there eggs. I can always tell when coops are made with yellow wood. Just crack an egg, and if it has a yellow glob, yip, yellow wood disease.

So instead of wasting all that wood, I can come pick it up, and dispose of it properly. Since your new to BYC, I won't even charge a disposel fee.

Just kidding, use it, your coop will last longer. And welcome to BYC!!!!!
There is most likely worse stuff in the air, feed, and water, than whats in treated wood.

Edit: I think whats in treated wood is arsinic, and thats what seeps out. I know that because our lake back home banned treated wood docks on the lake due to this, but like I said, its everywhere, most likely already in the ground from previous buildings etc.

 

[Mac in Wisco]

No, it's not going to hurt them or make them sick, but many here choose to raise layers or meat birds because they feel that it's a better alternative to supporting factory farm practices and buying food of unknown origin that has "Lord knows what" in it. Some would feel that avoiding the use of treated lumber where the chickens can contact is more in line with those ideas.

 

[al6517]

treated wood was originally designed for use in ground contact areas, this wood is perfectly fine to use around your chickens, they will not be affected one bit, so go ahead and use it by all means.