Barn lime in chicken coops - Ask Extension
Many areas recommend using barn lime (agricultural lime) in chicken coops to help keep bugs down. In this article (https://poultry.extension.org/arti...
Knowledgebase
Barn lime in chicken coops #801848
Asked July 18, 2022, 3:38 PM EDT
Many areas recommend using barn lime (agricultural lime) in chicken coops to help keep bugs down. In this article (https://poultry.extension.org/articles/poultry-management/using-lime-in-poultry-houses/#:~:text=Agricultural%20lime%20should%20not%20be,in%20the%20litter%20are%20destroyed.), it definitively says not to use it, but it does not provide any reasons. Many other areas say do NOT use hydrated lime as it can harm the chickens, which is briefly addressed at the end of the article. Can you provide more insight into agricultural lime usage and why it should be avoided?
Dane County Wisconsin
Expert Response
As indicated in the article, there are three substances referred to as lime.
1. Quicklime, which is calcium oxide (CaO)
2. Hydrated lime, which is calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2).
3. Agricultural lime, which is calcium carbonate.
Ag Lime will not hurt the chickens if added to the bedding, but it won't have any beneficial effects. Limestone is considered a feed ingredient, providing calcium for the laying hen for the production of eggs. The caution statements at the end of the article are in relation to the handling of lime - quicklime and hydrated lime.
The reasons for adding lime to litter:
- Lime application to litter increases the pH of the litter. When litter reaches pH 12, cell membranes of pathogens living in the litter are destroyed.
- Lime reduces the nitrogen content of litter by increasing ammonia volatilization. For this reason, it is important to refrain from using lime when the ammonia level in a poultry house is high. Organic producers should remember that hydrated lime is not permitted for deodorizing animal wastes in organic production.
- Lime decreases soluble phosphorus, thereby reducing phosphorus levels in the runoff.
