Creocote - how long after it's dry before it's safe to put birds back?

[kathyd]

We treated it yesterday and it's dry as a bone now, but it still seems to smell. My concern is that treated timber often smells for months! When would it be OK to let the birds back in? They hated their temp accommodation last night, and have gone on egg-strike until things return to normal .

[Glutton4...]

It will smell for months. Sorry!

I have heard that putting a bowl of distilled white vinegar in it for 24 hours will reduce the pong, but I can't vouch for it. Is it safe to leave it open so they can get out if they don't like it?

[kathyd]

Hi Glutton - it's quite safe yes, the wooden coop is inside a secure outbuilding - 6 of them sleep on a perch on the coop roof, and only 2 inside, and it's left open all the time for them. I'm just not sure if the smell means it's bad for them, or if it's safe despite being smelly...

[Glutton4...]

I believe the fumes are toxic to chickens, and although they may be bird-brained, they'll be happier having access to their usual coop, and if the door's able to be left open, then they have the option of escape if it gets too much for them.

[kathyd]

Uh? The fumes are toxic, but put them back in to keep them happy?! Lol, I think I must have misread your post, or the sun's going to my head or something .

I'm going to put the coop back in I think, and assume 'fumes' are now just 'pongy smell' - if anyone else tells me I'm endangering their lives by doing this, I'll remove it again tomorrow.

Thx Glutton