pressure treated lumber?

[redinator]

I'm wondering if it's safe to use pressure treated lumber for nest boxes and roost bars.

I typically use pressure treated lumber for anything that could possibly come in contact with moisture, but I don't know if it's safe to use in the coop where the chickens will be constantly coming into contact with it.

If it isn't safe, what is?

 

[Ted Brown]

Safe to use but not needed in those applications.

Plain lumber & /or plywood.

 

[StinkyAcres]

I would use pressure-treated for the walls and posts you plan to install, but the roosting bars and nesting boxes probably don't need to be PT as long as they are protected from the rain (which they should be).

 

[perkolator]

I would probably not use them for either application, due to whatever chemicals used in PT lumber might off-gas in the tight space of a nest box, and from direct foot contact of chickens roosting on PT lumber every night maybe causing a skin issue.

 

[redinator]

I would probably not use them for either application, due to whatever chemicals used in PT lumber might off-gas in the tight space of a nest box, and from direct foot contact of chickens roosting on PT lumber every night maybe causing a skin issue.

I was thinking along those lines . . . as for the nest boxes I'll probably go with some sort of plastic/PVC container so it'll be easier to clean and water/poop won't be an issue.

I've seen several pre-built roost bars, but we have a bunch of tree limbs I'll probably use. New ones fall each, well fall, so I'll be able to replace them as needed.

Would the rough uneven surfaces cause things like bumble foot? If so, I can sand them down. . . .the branches, not their feet, lol.