Cooks Posted April 27, 2008 Share Posted April 27, 2008 (edited) Hubby has now decided that he would like to think about building an enclosed run for the girls. (only had them 24hrs!) but still use the eglu minus the run. He is a carpenter so he has asked me about wood preservative and the types of wood suitable, I know you will be experience with this so I thought I would ask. If he used untreated wood (that he has in his garage sitting unused) is it ok to use wood preservative to treat it, or is this unsafe for chickens? Any advice?? Edited April 28, 2008 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevie Posted April 27, 2008 Share Posted April 27, 2008 Any of the water based wood preservatives that the likes of Cuprinol and Ronseal produce will be fine to use around animals. Its the chemical based ones like creosote which you gotta try to avoid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cooks Posted April 27, 2008 Author Share Posted April 27, 2008 thanks Stevie, I thought creosote would be a no no, plus it' stinks. I think they would have about 2m x 2.5m just for the two of them. We dont have a huge garden. Any decent fox proof ideas gladly received. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevie Posted April 27, 2008 Share Posted April 27, 2008 Any decent fox proof ideas gladly received. Electric fencing and guards armed with AK47's at every corner perhaps... If you're gonna make a proper run-why not borrow Omlets idea and install a skirt made from the weldmesh to prevent them from burrowing under.Provided you use the correct guage mesh and have good quality locks on entrance doors-it should be safe from attack. Garden though...Make your boundary fences higher if they're short by using cheap trellis and where theres loose soil underneath-attach chicken wire (its cheaper) and dig it underground so they cant go under. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cooks Posted April 27, 2008 Author Share Posted April 27, 2008 we have two dogs, so out garden is secure anyway.. with 6 foot fences all the way around. He aimed to use wooden sleepers all the way around the edge of the run (as this currently is how he's enclosed the hard/wood shaving standing area they have) he says no fox can move a sleeper... ?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevie Posted April 27, 2008 Share Posted April 27, 2008 Be careful if they're reclaimed sleepers because unless they're the hardwood variety-they're impregnated with creosote to prevent rot.During summer when the sun beats down-the creosote starts ooozing out of the timber.Old fashioned Creosote (which was outlawed about 4 years ago-creosote substitute is sold now) is carciogenic so care must be taken with it. Good idea though to use them cos they'll last forever and unless the Fox is built like the proverbial poo house-they wont move em'.Cant wait to see your piccys when done! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cooks Posted April 27, 2008 Author Share Posted April 27, 2008 they are hard wood, I remember him telling me, we cut one up that was bowed for the log fire. It should be good, if he ever has time, between coaching my youngests footie team, work and attending older childs footie teams.. Just got told I have to paint it.. :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cooks Posted April 28, 2008 Author Share Posted April 28, 2008 hubby started the run today! it will be 3.8 x 2.1 metres I got my measurements muddled before This should be fine for the two girls and a possible 3rd sometime *thinks lovingly of bluebelles* The girls are wondering what he's doing and giving him the eye. Sugar has lost three tail feathers in the run since we got her thursday, I am a little worried, is this ok?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...