Zinc is Toxic?

[AccentOnHakes]

I just heard that zinc is toxic to birds?

We're in the coop-building stage, and the nails and screws are made out of zinc........

 

[Akane]

All metals are toxic if they can ingest it in some way. If their water comes in contact with certain metals or it flakes off in their food then you could poison them. Hopefully your building job isn't so shabby that they will able to eat nails and screws off the wall.

 

[AccentOnHakes]

I'll blame my dad if that happens.

 

[A.T. Hagan]

You need not worry about the galvanized (zinc plated) hardware you use to build your coop.

Nor even the galvanized feeders you might use.

The only time you'll need worry about zinc poisoning is if you use galvanized waterers which you put vinegar in. In those cases it is possible for the acidic water to dissolve enough of the zinc from the waterer to be toxic for your birds. Simple solution is not to use vinegar in your water if you are using a metal waterer.

All other forms of zinc plated hardware will be safe.

.....Alan.

 

[AccentOnHakes]

I'm buying a plastic waterer.