Another “how to reduce coop smell organically” question.

[Audie_and_Mike]

That was a sorely needed chuckle, DobieLover. I think my jaw unhinged when I saw your ventilation.

So yes, I (we) will add more ventilation, no question. This looks like a job more suited for my recip and handheld jigsaw. Tonight I’ll be amateur drafting my ideas to paper and prepping my tools.

It’s not bad yet, the smell, but I’m obsessive so I try and get in early.

Pics, yes.

Thank you my friends.

 

[3KillerBs]

I bought a 4” hole bit. I plan on drilling two twin holes on north side of coop and another twin set on south side.

Little holes like that add square inches when you need square feet.

This is my 4x8 brooder, with 16 square feet of permanent ventilation when the tarp flaps are closed and 10 more square feet of supplemental ventilation when they're open.

With the flaps closed it's absolutely draft-free.

 

[Audie_and_Mike]

Little holes like that add square inches when you need square feet.

This is my 4x8 brooder, with 16 square feet of permanent ventilation when the tarp flaps are closed and 10 more square feet of supplemental ventilation when they're open.

View attachment 2993137
View attachment 2993132

With the flaps closed it's absolutely draft-free.

I love that brooder!

Oh and I also steal ideas. Hehe.

 

[3KillerBs]

I love that brooder!

Oh and I also steal ideas. Hehe.

If you copy that one, do yourself a favor and put a sloped roof on it so that there will be better air FLOW to remove heat.

I was using what I had and that's the one thing I regret because without that slope to allow hot air to rise I can't keep it under 100F on a 90+F day without shade.

 

[saysfaa]

...Our jury is out on Zeolite. Our youngest son is gluten-free so we’re a bit hesitant to use a flour+baking soda mix....

I would not use flour, mixed or not, due to the dust. Bird respiratory systems are delicate.

I have five standard sized 9-month old pullets in a 7 by 10 space (coop/run). I use zeolite on the poop board and deep litter everywhere else. The litter is mostly maple leaves from last autumn with some pine shavings and other things. I have open eaves similar to Dobielover's, a ridge vent, two 22x30" windows to the east, and a 4x7' door to the south that are all completely open from March to October in zone 5. I close the windows and eaves for the winter in late October. No smell except the occasional very fresh dropping. Well, and the poop board before I scoop it in the morning - the poops pile up above the zeolite since the chicks grew up. Incidentally, 8 week old poops are teeny, tiny, little cute thing compared to what happens after they start laying.

I think I am at max capacity with the five or a little more than max capacity. I have more than half a mind to give one or two more to a friend. But that is with adults. The shed was plenty of space when they were 8 weeks old.

 

[Stephanie8806]

We have 11 birds in their 8x10 coop/shed. Due to a family emergency we have yet to complete the construction on our run (18’x18’), so all the ladies and their dashing young gent are confined in their coop. Every day I go out (if it’s warm enough) and open the main door so they can get a good fresh breeze. You’d have to see our coop…

Anyway, we’re deep-bedding so that we can add it to compost when ready.

There is little ammonia smell but, you know, an ounce of prevention.

Our jury is out on Zeolite. Our youngest son is gluten-free so we’re a bit hesitant to use a flour+baking soda mix.

We’ve Googled until we’re ready to gulp Excedrin, so we came here.

Any quick simple answer?

My flock and coop are the same size as yours! I agree with others here, a poop board under the roosts is a game changer. I scoop their poop from that every few days, and the floor bedding stays so dang clean that I only change it twice a year(right before winter, and in spring).

Sweet PDZ does a great job deodorizing and is all natural I believe. Stir it into your flooring!

I’ve also seen many good reviews on the recycled coffee grounds bedding you can order from TSC. I haven’t tried it yet, but plan to this year

 

[Audie_and_Mike]

Lawd a mercy. I ain’t forgot y’all. Pictures still incoming. Life just randomly bites.

Thanks for help and patience.

 

[Ryder_sanders]

We have 11 birds in their 8x10 coop/shed. Due to a family emergency we have yet to complete the construction on our run (18’x18’), so all the ladies and their dashing young gent are confined in their coop. Every day I go out (if it’s warm enough) and open the main door so they can get a good fresh breeze. You’d have to see our coop…

Anyway, we’re deep-bedding so that we can add it to compost when ready.

There is little ammonia smell but, you know, an ounce of prevention.

Our jury is out on Zeolite. Our youngest son is gluten-free so we’re a bit hesitant to use a flour+baking soda mix.

We’ve Googled until we’re ready to gulp Excedrin, so we came here.

Any quick simple answer?

Hi, I get the free used coffee grounds from Starbucks and throw handfuls in stinky spots

 

[Audie_and_Mike]

Coop front facing West. No window(s) on the back (but could add). Audie bought the coop from somewhere and they delivered it. She refused to let me build one After 27+ years of marriage I pick my battles and I’m gonna leave it at that. So then, it is what it is.

Ventilation up high and under the front eaves should be easy.

Sides easily ventilated… when not taking inclement weather into account, which we absolutely have to do.

We’re thinking add a couple windows on the back for starters.

Okay so I’m open to ideas, all of ‘em!

 

[Audie_and_Mike]

Thread is actually more about ventilation.

Anyone know how to edit the title?