[Chrissie]

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 

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]

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

[chrismahon]

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]

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]

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.   

[Chrissie]

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?