AUSTRALIAN POULTRY FORUM™

I was wondering if anyone could please give me the "recipe" for a Lime and Sulphur wash? I managed to get a bag of sulphur from our local stockfeed. Do people actually add pig's blood to tint the wash pink, or is it an old wive's tale?

Thank you
Hens and Hobbits

The pigs blood for a pink tint is a new one on me, but not surprised at anything.
I know Ox blood from a very old bullock was used in a mixture as a floor seal in centuries past to give a durable glass like finish to a rammed earth floor, today we would use a 2 part resin or similar commercial product.
I know from memory, it is some years since I lime washed my sheds, that you use Hydrated lime not agricultural and care must be taken handling it as it will burn the skin, eyes and airways, when mixed in water a chemical re-action occurs and the mix heats up becoming quite hot.
I was told to use skim milk as a whitener to give a true white finish and have mixed it in water that you have boiled prickly pear cactus in, the result is a slimy viscous liquid and the lime wash sticks/adheres better, less inclined to flake off.
I have never used the sulphur but as it kills and deters lice and mite it would be worthwhile.
I know in years past sulphur was burned in a shed to kill lice and mite and to sterilise the environment.

Thank you, Oaklands for your knowledge and advice,

I just have a bag of ordinary garden lime. I will take care and wear protective clothing. I am glad I put the post up before I attempted the wash. What would be the best time of year to apply the wash?

Sometimes it is best to ask for guidance first before attempting to do something.

Hens and Hobbits

Your garden lime is the same as Agricultural lime, it is not suitable.
The lime required is Hydrated lime, finer & whiter in appearance with slightly different chemical properties.
As to the time or weather conditions I would suggest anytime convenient to you, just take care as any on your skin will dry it and irritate it, just like cement will it contains the same lime product.
Because it is a water based mix it has to dry out to be permanent and to show its true whiteness, until then you may think it is not so special, once dry it's true whiteness is evident.
I think for poultry and any agricultural /livestock buildings it is the best way to make them clean fresh and uniform, it covers all manner of building materials alike .Is relatively cheap and so can be done on a regular basis to maintain the crisp clean appearance.
It is applied with a larger than normal purpose built brush, I have seen them you can still buy them, usually with a solid wooden handle and a hemp like material tied into 2 strong clusters, in no time you can apply easily and cover a large area in no time,during application it is necessary to give an occasional stir to refesh the suspension of lime and prevent it settling into a water on top and a lime sediment at the bottom, a bit like corn flour in water settles over a short time. No real skill in applicationis required as once it dries you cannot tell how much if any care was taken in it's application.
Gloves and eye protection are advisable as is long sleeves and trousers to prevent eye or skin irritation or damage.

Well put oaklands, you could use any soft broom to apply it. I have done calf pens, milking palours and other farm buildings when I was much younger on a farm in the UK back in the 1960s.

Ian

Thank you again Oaklands,

I honestly didn't know that garden lime was Agricultural lime. Will source the Hydrated lime as recommended and use a mask, eye protection, gloves and wear protective clothing.

Once again, I think that I am really fortunate with obtaining your advice and in making enqiuires first before taking any action. It could all have been a potentional disaster.

Thank you
Hens and Hobbits

Do you mix the lime into the soil then wet it down after. Can I also ask how long the lime lasts in the soil and assuming it is harmless to the chooks

Hi, eggsinthebator,

What I had in mind actually was a Lime and Sulphur Wash, a paint like mixture/substance to refresh the chook coop, nesting boxes, and perches and hopefully kill any mites/parasites that could be lurking there. We have had a deluge recently, so once again waiting for warmer, drier weather to attempt this job.

Lime is a traditional as a top dressing for a static run to reduce parasites and restore the soil's pH level. From what I understand a light sprinkling of lime over the area in Autumn or Winter, preferably when dry and water in afterwards to dissolve the lime. Also, the chooks need to be off the area for a couple of months for the lime to do its job.

Glad I asked now thew thanks muchly