FlyingRamses Posted July 20, 2008 Share Posted July 20, 2008 Does anyone know if hens are safe around creosote? I was thinking of bordering my cube with reclaimed railway sleepers which are heavily preserved with creosote which I know has has bad press in recent years. I think it is mainly an issue if sleepers are in long term contact with skin; I am sure my hens will just hop over them occasionally but am concerned if they try and peck them for grubs. You can get untreated Australian Jarra wood sleepers but they weigh a ton and are difficult to maneuver!! Any thoughts appreciated. FR Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted July 20, 2008 Share Posted July 20, 2008 I think someone asked this before, don't use reclaimed as there is something bad in them which can get into the soil. I'm sure someone else will be along in a bit... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaack Posted July 20, 2008 Share Posted July 20, 2008 i have reclained sleepers all around my pond area in the garden, hasnt harmed the plants or anything and the chickens are always sitting on them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clash City Rocker Posted July 21, 2008 Share Posted July 21, 2008 I also use reclaimed sleepers for a dust bath, have been using them for over a year without any problems. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlyingRamses Posted July 28, 2008 Author Share Posted July 28, 2008 Thanks for all the advice. The sleepers I looked at were of creosote variety and smalled like it as well!!! Decided to go for the new softwood sleepers from Eastern Europe, lighter to maneuver as well and they will set the hens area off nicely. Thanks again Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cooks Posted July 28, 2008 Share Posted July 28, 2008 I have sleepers surrounding my run, however they do not smell at all of creosote and I wouldn't have used them if they had, I hate the smell myself, let alone making them smell it day in day out.. Mine came from a builders yard, they look like sleeprs and are in every sense except they didn't come from the railway.. does that make anysense? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlyingRamses Posted July 28, 2008 Author Share Posted July 28, 2008 Hi loopyloo Sounds exactly like what I am going for, unused softwood sleepers. They are treated but with an environmentally friendly chemical .... so I am assured!! Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cooks Posted July 29, 2008 Share Posted July 29, 2008 mine are definately hard wood, not soft, (as hubby's a carpenter and has sawn into some that were bowed etc.. we put them on the fire) but same principle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
