Ammonia smell in coop

[mitch1114]

When I went out to the coop this morning there was a very strong ammonia smell. What would be causing that and what can I do about it? We clean the nesting boxes and the floor almost every day.

 

[SueT]

Is it well ventilated? If not, make it so.....

 

[sLOWdJonny9]

A strong ammonia smell is typically associated with urine. Various things can cause urine to smell stronger than normal; build-up of uric acid (by-product of metab.), dehydration, and dietary changes. Have you noticed any recent changes to the amount of water that they drink?

 

[mitch1114]

Yes. I open the windows when the weather permits it. And the vent at the top of the back wall is always open.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Mice also pee......are they getting into your coop?

 

[SueT]

There is a product call 'sweet PDZ' it's a granular mineral that absorbs ammonia smell. It is used as a horse stall freshener, and now also sold in smaller bags for poultry. Buy the horse size and mix it with your shavings.....
you can get it at feed stores, including TSC

 

[DobieLover]

Pictures of your coop inside and out will help.
You need LOTS of ventilation. And if any of the wood was not sealed and gets poop on it, it will absorb moisture and urates which will decompose into ammonia gas.
What type of floor is in your coop and what type of bedding? BTW, it should not be necessary to clean the nest boxes out daily as no one should be pooping in them.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

How many birds, how many square feet? Photos will be most helpful.

 

[archeryrob]

Yes. I open the windows when the weather permits it. And the vent at the top of the back wall is always open.

Your coop windows should always be open. They can be regulated in how much they are open when its really cold, but they should never be closed!!! The ammonia smell build up is from lack of ventilation and the poop not drying out from lack of airflow.

It is worse for your chickens to live with this than a bit of cold at night. Make the vents and windows where the wind can't blow on them directly on the roosts. I have regular barn board sides on my coop with 1/8" gaps between the boards from shrinkage. The birds are fine and their feathers keep them warm at night. The extra moisture in there will also give them frostbite combs.

 

[aart]

Your coop windows should always be open. They can be regulated in how much they are open when its really cold, but they should never be closed!!! The ammonia smell build up is from lack of ventilation and the poop not drying out from lack of airflow.

Wwweeelllll, you can close them if you have enough other ventilation.