Weed Killer?!

[MsChickenMomma]

We rent our property and our landlord hires someone to mow our lawn, and I just noticed that he sprayed weed killer all around the buildings and stuff in our yard. I don't know what kind of weed killer he used either. What do I do about my chickens?

This is a new guy who is maintaining our yard. Our last lawn maintenance man was very nice and never once put weed killer in the yard because he knows I free range my chickens. This guy either doesn't care, or doesn't know any better, because he sprayed it everywhere.

Do I have to keep my chickens closed up? If so, how long do you think I would need to?? I would hate to lose chickens over something like this!

 

[MsChickenMomma]

Anyone?! He sprayed it all over by my barn and the tree that my chickens spend all day under!

 

[angel8035]

First, I think you need to find out what he sprayed! I would keep them confined until you figure that out...

 

[bernaboo111]

I wouldn't let them out until 1-2 weeks after he sprayed. I would also talk to the guy who sprayed and tell him your concern. Or, what we do is we spray every thing but about 1/4 of an acre. Then just watch then and let them in the non-sprayed area. If it is all dead except one area, the chickens will want to be in the live area.

I hope this helps!

 

[MsChickenMomma]

It was Roundup weed killer. I'll google it and find out what it says. For now I rounded up all of my girls and I'll keep them in the coop until I figure out if it's okay to let them out.

I can't believe this... I don't know how I'm ever going to keep my chickens confined for 2 weeks. They've free ranged their whole lives and practically go crazy when I close them up. But if their lives are at stake here than I'll have to do it.

 

[MsChickenMomma]

Is anybody else able to answer this? I'm really concerned right now. I read that roundup is advertised as "safe" but I still don't trust it. This guy sprayed all over the area where my chickens go the most. Even in the driveway (which is gravel) where my chickens pick for grit. I really need to know if my chickens will be okay.

Thanks so much!

 

[bernaboo111]

Don't trust what it says. I used to free range all the time, but when we lost one of our chickens, they had to stay in a pen. They didn't like it but it was best.

One of my chickens got really sick for the "safe" roundup. Maybe not 2 weeks.... Just wait until all the weeds are dead. After that is should be ok.

 

[MsChickenMomma]

Okay. Thank you very much. So sorry you lost one of your chickens.