4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[peanut12]

I have a permanently sited run and I am slightly concerned about the ground. I have heard that Garden Lime neutralises the acidity from faeces etc but when I looked at some yesterday - it said on the box to "store away from pets".

 

Does this mean, as a permanent run - I can't use garden lime as the hens would not be able to go on the ground for a while.

 

Would paving the run inside and overlaying with aubiose etc be just as effective? - obviously allowing them some ground etc for worm hunting and dust-bathing

[Egluntyne]

As long as it is Garden Lime...ie crushed limestone or chalk.... the hens will be fine.

 

I imagine the warning is on the side of the box as an H&S requirement.

[peanut12]

Thanks Egluntine. I knew I could count on you!

 

To the garden centre Robin!

[jomaxsmith]

At the Thornes talk we were told to use garden Lime to sweeten the ground but to allow it to be rained in before putting the chooks back on the same ground.

 

Jo

[Olly]

I've always just dug it in, and put the chooks straight back in the run! You could water it I suppose - my understanding was that it is safe to use.

[Egluntyne]

It is just limestone or chalk, pulverised. Calcium Carbonate.

 

It will do them no harm....unless they inhale vast quantities of powder which is unlikely.

 

I always put my hens straight back out and they have survived.

[Hen Watch]

Interesting. I bought Garden Lime from the garden centre and it only come in little round pellets not as a powder. So have used it in the compost bin and a bit on the veg patch that's had loads of chicken manure recently. Won't use it in the run in case they eat it because it looks like mixed corn size.

[DW]

B&Q sell garden lime in powdered form.

 

 

D.

[Egluntyne]

I've used both types with no problems at all.

[Hen Watch]

B&Q sell garden lime in powdered form. D.

 

Thank you DW, but too late I have a 10kg (and £10 worrth) bucket of pellets to get through..... Useful info for others so they don't make the same mistake as me.

[MedusA]

I bought mine in powdered form from B&Q also. I just sprinkle it, fork it in a bit and put hemcore on top. The girls seem perfectly fine. I wouldn't worry too much.

[Ain't Nobody Here]

I use the pellet form. The girls come rushing over as I sprinkle it around, obviously thinking, yipee, treats . But they soon turn their beaks up at it (without even trying it) and go off in a huff .

[Fur 'n' Feathers]

Could you pulverise the granules to make them powder if you're worried?

[superjules]

You'd have to get a really big food processor for 10kg though!! (Sorry - couldn't resist).

[Hen Watch]

You'd have to get a really big food processor for 10kg though!! (Sorry - couldn't resist).

 

Or a cement mixer.........

[sheik]

Hi,

Our run has a weld-mesh floor, above an anti-weed membrane with aubiose on top. So is it OK to mix lime in, bearing in mind it will not reach the soil?

 

What do other people with permanent runs on concrete etc do?

 

/\dam

[Egluntyne]

I jet wash the paving slabs and use Stalosan F.

 

I use lime in their ranging area.

[sheik]

Thanks Egluntine. Is Stalosan F a "horsey" product? i.e. is it likely our Aubiose provider will stock it do you think?

 

/\dam

[Egluntyne]

Thanks Egluntine. Is Stalosan F a "horsey" product? i.e. is it likely our Aubiose provider will stock it do you think?

 

/\dam

 

I get mine **here**.

 

Why not ring your "horsey supplier" and ask if they can get it in for you?

[sheik]

Why not ring your "horsey supplier" and ask if they can get it in for you?

 

We can't remember their name!

It is a horse / pet supplies warehouse on the A1, near Sandy. Next time we pass we'll pop in and ask them.

 

Thanks!

 

/\dam

[poachedegg]

I have just bought a 4kg box of J R Bowers Garden Lime from Wilkinsons for approx £1.65 (powdered version).