Author Topic: Limewash for the chicken coop  (Read 6768 times)

Chrissie

  • Joined Feb 2013
Limewash for the chicken coop
« on: October 16, 2013, 11:14:59 pm »
Hi there,

3 years ago we converted a B&Q wooden shed into chicken housing - we cleaned (disinfected) and powdered regularly but I have the feeling that over the years the mites are getting more and more (despite having the odd monthly break when chickens move into another Solway housing). This year we had red mites for the first time which was megayuck  :tired:

So I have now looked into alternatives and have come across limewashing the shed - anyone got some good advice? I am unsure after reading various blogs whether to use dolomite lime or hydrated lime? Realistically all going well the painting will happen 2 a year max so is that sufficient for 10 birds? Can we paint over the mites (red mites dead but still lots of spidermites crawling around the doorframe despite powdering)? The chickens have been out of the for 6 weeks now and are not going back until further notice - they have an alternative accommodation which will do them for now. Can I also limewash the duckhouse? not noticed any mites there but might as well if we are doing the chicken house?

Thanks for your advice  :)
Chrissie.

darkbrowneggs

  • Joined Aug 2010
    • The World is My Lobster
Re: Limewash for the chicken coop
« Reply #1 on: October 16, 2013, 11:28:16 pm »
I have used both - you need to be careful when mixing hydrated lime and be very careful to follow the instructions and shield your eyes.  We used it a lot when I was a child and I can still remember the pain when I got some in my eyes aged about three when I was busy trying to help out
To follow my travel journal see http://www.theworldismylobster.org.uk

For lots of info about Marans and how to breed and look after them see www.darkbrowneggs.info

chrismahon

  • Joined Dec 2011
  • Gascony, France
Re: Limewash for the chicken coop
« Reply #2 on: October 17, 2013, 06:53:47 am »
Limewash on a wooden shed bothers me with it flaking off the walls in time Chrissie. Will the chickens eat it?


It is the prescribed method of treatment in the stone built Poulaillers here. Obviously they are built with lime mortar anyway but they are not subject to the movement of wooden coops when subjected to heat and humidity. As far as I know they just use a solution of builders lime -whichever version that is?

mentalmilly

  • Joined Nov 2012
Re: Limewash for the chicken coop
« Reply #3 on: October 17, 2013, 03:05:16 pm »
I did lime wash one of my huts this year, mite problem horrific like everyone's.  I personally was not impressed, you have to do every bit or the mites come back, but found with creosote it soaks into all the cracks and kills the little  wotsits and eggs.  Wont bother with lime wash again for me but a lot of people have good results with it. You could try it and see how you go on, its cheap enough.  Made the hut lovely and light though.

darkbrowneggs

  • Joined Aug 2010
    • The World is My Lobster
Re: Limewash for the chicken coop
« Reply #4 on: October 17, 2013, 03:45:40 pm »
Limewash on a wooden shed bothers me with it flaking off the walls in time Chrissie. Will the chickens eat it?


It is the prescribed method of treatment in the stone built Poulaillers here. Obviously they are built with lime mortar anyway but they are not subject to the movement of wooden coops when subjected to heat and humidity. As far as I know they just use a solution of builders lime -whichever version that is?


Dont forget one of the treatments for soft shelled eggs is to feed them limestone powder.   ;)



To follow my travel journal see http://www.theworldismylobster.org.uk

For lots of info about Marans and how to breed and look after them see www.darkbrowneggs.info

Chrissie

  • Joined Feb 2013
Re: Limewash for the chicken coop
« Reply #5 on: October 17, 2013, 08:01:28 pm »
Thanks for all the food for thought... I am due baby no 2 in January so my husband will have to do it whilst I do the supervising  ;) so we will have a think which one to do...are there any other successful ways to get rid of them or is this the best one?

 

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