creosote and hens

[dancecaller]

I have been creosoting my sheds and want to do my chicken ark as well (it's 3 years old so needs a thorough and treatment). I have a temporary ark to put them in till the smell has worn off.

Will it harm them, or taint the eggs, how long should I leave it, is there something else I should use instead?

[jake-the-peg]

If you're in the UK (or Europe I think) you shouldn't use real creosote at all. It's now restricted to commercial uses because of it's carcenogenic and irritant qualities. If you have some old tins lying about you really ought to get rid of it.

I think there are a number of water based replacements ,which IMHO aren't as good, but are a lot safer to use around livestock I think Creoseal's a popular one

[dancecaller]

No, I used up all my old tins. I'm now using Creosote substitute (dichlorfluanid !). Bartolene make it and it smells of disinfectant (sort of Jeyes fluid smell) not like proper creosote. Still quite nasty, according to the label. I cover up well, when using it, long sleeves, gloves & goggles, in case of splashes

[jake-the-peg]

Don't know that stuff. Try the company website for advice

[MustafaTinkl]

It shouldn't harm your hens one little bit. Spraying hens with a 50/50 mix water/creosote subs is quite a common treatment to stop them picking each others feathers out (it also cures the person holding the hen that is being sprayed).