Charlottechicken Posted September 7, 2007 Share Posted September 7, 2007 I have a purpose built run which has done quite well in the soggy weather as it has not been too stinky, and I put garden shreddings down which absorbs the poo, and the girls enjoy digging through, but I think the soil needs help now. So I have bought some garden lime today from Wilkinsons, only cost £1.69 for four kilos of the stuff. The question is, how long after application (and watering in) can the hens go back on the soil Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arowland17 Posted September 7, 2007 Share Posted September 7, 2007 stupid question here but what is garden lime? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted September 7, 2007 Share Posted September 7, 2007 Provided you've got the ordinary garden sort, it's not toxic and it should be completely safe. I usually let the girls out for a run around while I rake out the aubiose/dig it over, sprinkle some lime, and then put them straight back in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted September 7, 2007 Share Posted September 7, 2007 I let my girls straight out when I've applied the lime. Garden Lime is only pulverised limestone or chalk so is quite safe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlottechicken Posted September 8, 2007 Author Share Posted September 8, 2007 Great, thanks for the replies, I hope it breaks down quickly though as Cheeky sifts through the soil constantly, picking out any light bits and eating them. I may end up with a limed chicken Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robskyd Posted September 10, 2007 Share Posted September 10, 2007 I looked at getting Garden Lime from B&Q but it said avoid contact with skin and Pets. Here's a link to the one I saw in store: http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav/nav.jsp?isSearch=true&fh_search=garden+lime&selected=products Are there different types? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted September 10, 2007 Share Posted September 10, 2007 That's the one Rob, I've used it for about 18 months now and it's fine. Perhaps they just have to put that warning on as a disclaimer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Posted September 10, 2007 Share Posted September 10, 2007 Are there different types? Yes there are. Ordinary garden lime is what is normally used for growing cabbages and is reasonably safe. Builders lime is quick lime or slaked lime, I've used it a lot and it burns and causes the skin to crack, tiny little cracks that really hurt and it really burns the throat if breathed in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlottechicken Posted September 10, 2007 Author Share Posted September 10, 2007 Hmmm that B&Q one is expensive. Mine was J Arthur Bowers and described as organic soil improver, there are no specific warnings, it just says do not store near foodstuffs, animals or children. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted September 10, 2007 Share Posted September 10, 2007 I've got the J Arthur Bowers one, too. I've been using it since I got them back in February, and my chickens have shown no ill-effects at all! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robskyd Posted September 11, 2007 Share Posted September 11, 2007 Could you let me know where you bought the J Arthur Bowers Lime? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted September 11, 2007 Share Posted September 11, 2007 Most garden centres sell it Rob. I found it at my local 'scruffy' family run garden centre, its with all the lawn/plant care stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
