Barn lime question

[mydaisy]

Is this lime considered ag lime and is it safe to use in the run?

 

[Know it All]

I'm not sure about that lime, but if you're using it to make your coop smell better/neutralize ammonia, I would recommend Sweet PDZ. It's easier to find reputable companies that sell the stuff, and it does it all; kills the bugs, bad gases, and to top it off, leaves a slightly sweet smell. Don't use the powdered type though, it's very dusty. Use granulated

 

[aart]

I would recommend Sweet PDZ. It's easier to find reputable companies that sell the stuff, and it does it all; kills the bugs, bad gases, and to top it off, leaves a slightly sweet smell.

It does not kill bugs.
It does absorb ammonia, it's main attribute.
Never noticed a sweet smell, regardless of it's suggestive label.

 

[mydaisy]

I'm not sure about that lime, but if you're using it to make your coop smell better/neutralize ammonia, I would recommend Sweet PDZ. It's easier to find reputable companies that sell the stuff, and it does it all; kills the bugs, bad gases, and to top it off, leaves a slightly sweet smell. Don't use the powdered type though, it's very dusty. Use granulated

Yes, I have used that for odor and I do like it for that, but barn lime is $4 for a 50lb bag and I hear it does the same thing!

 

[arazla]

I'm trying to research this as well and am just not feeling 100% about what type of lime to use. For example, when coming across this study at https://poultry.extension.org
"Producers should exhibit great care when using lime in poultry houses. Lime is caustic to organic matter and destroys debris in addition to pathogens. Lime also BURNS the footpads of birds if it is left on the ground or floor. It is important to take animals out of the area before treating the area with lime. Also, working with lime is extremely dangerous. Dust inhaled or exposed to the eyes can cause severe burning of the eyes and mucous membranes. When using lime, poultry producers should wear personal protective equipment."
I don't want to spend a fortune on First Saturday Lime and am still trying to get more concrete info. Also apparently it could affect composting? We put our hay or pine shavings from the coop directly into the compost pile. Not sure how that works.

 

[ChickyWhicky]

I use this same barn lime in my coop. We also use it in the horse stalls and we cannot keep the chickens out of it. It is their favorite place to dust bath. Never had any issues.

 

[mossyoakpro]

I'm trying to research this as well and am just not feeling 100% about what type of lime to use. For example, when coming across this study at https://poultry.extension.org
"Producers should exhibit great care when using lime in poultry houses. Lime is caustic to organic matter and destroys debris in addition to pathogens. Lime also BURNS the footpads of birds if it is left on the ground or floor. It is important to take animals out of the area before treating the area with lime. Also, working with lime is extremely dangerous. Dust inhaled or exposed to the eyes can cause severe burning of the eyes and mucous membranes. When using lime, poultry producers should wear personal protective equipment."
I don't want to spend a fortune on First Saturday Lime and am still trying to get more concrete info. Also apparently it could affect composting? We put our hay or pine shavings from the coop directly into the compost pile. Not sure how that works.

I use this brand of lime...I rake mine in after cleaning the run. I also put a layer down under my pine chips in the coop after the clean out. No problems whatsoever. I'm thinking about mixing in some with my PDZ in my poop boards to help out.

 

[mydaisy]

I use this same barn lime in my coop. We also use it in the horse stalls and we cannot keep the chickens out of it. It is their favorite place to dust bath. Never had any issues.

Ya, I think that barn lime aka ag lime is safe and not caustic. Hydrated lime is what you want to stay away from. I think we are good.

 

[mydaisy]

I'm trying to research this as well and am just not feeling 100% about what type of lime to use. For example, when coming across this study at https://poultry.extension.org
"Producers should exhibit great care when using lime in poultry houses. Lime is caustic to organic matter and destroys debris in addition to pathogens. Lime also BURNS the footpads of birds if it is left on the ground or floor. It is important to take animals out of the area before treating the area with lime. Also, working with lime is extremely dangerous. Dust inhaled or exposed to the eyes can cause severe burning of the eyes and mucous membranes. When using lime, poultry producers should wear personal protective equipment."
I don't want to spend a fortune on First Saturday Lime and am still trying to get more concrete info. Also apparently it could affect composting? We put our hay or pine shavings from the coop directly into the compost pile. Not sure how that works.

I think that hydrated lime is what you need to stay away from. Barn lime/ agriculture lime is safe (it says on the bag that it does not contain caustic material)

 

[arazla]

I hope so, but one of the videos on youtube from a guy doing a whole talk on lime was saying that "barn lime" is usually the harsher kind, which would be fine for horses, etc., but not for chickens delicate respiratory systems, hence my confusion.