[Charleen]

Hello all,

Anyone know if the creosote in railroad ties is toxic to hogs?

We have a few old (almost 10 years old) railroad ties that we are using to build a pen for our 2 feeder pigs. We're setting an old aluminum truck-cap on top of the ties. Sounds like pig heaven but I want to make sure the ties won't hurt them.

 

[big rockpile]

I don't think they will bother them.

big rockpile

 

[CJ]

I would think just the opposite, with them laying in there breathing around the ties, and laying on the soil.

 

[GeorgeK]

Railroad ties are not intended for animal pens. It might depend on how much space they have. The smaller the pen, the more likely they will lick it and chew on it. Creosote is toxic. That is why it is used, so termites wont eat it.

 

[james dilley]

Bury the ties and build out of old pallets with the ties under ground the pigs can't dig under and therefore less exposure.

 

[Charleen]

Thanks to everyone for your suggestions. We don't want to take a chance and have sick piggies so, we're rethinking how to set this up.