Can you stop the poo smelling so bad?

[knightie]

The fermented feed does help with smells and also helps to firm up the poos! There are several threads about feeding fermented feed to poultry.

 

[Tivona]

The fermented feed does help with smells and also helps to firm up the poos! There are several threads about feeding fermented feed to poultry.

I agree.

I have now done the fermented feed for my ducks for 10 days and the smell is soooo much better. The their night time pen/coop which has their kiddie pool and also inclosed nesting box areas usually was pretty stinky by morning time. I would always have to clean out the area every morning after letting them out to free range in my garden. After switching them to the fermented feed it only took a few days before the smell was almost gone. Obviously I still have to clean it out but with the reduced smell I am actually thinking of switching to the deep till method for this winter. I just ferment the same feed I would be giving them anyway so the nutrient balance should be about the same but just more digestible. The are really starting to love the ferment too.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I agree.

I have now done the fermented feed for my ducks for 10 days and the smell is soooo much better. The their night time pen/coop which has their kiddie pool and also inclosed nesting box areas usually was pretty stinky by morning time. I would always have to clean out the area every morning after letting them out to free range in my garden. After switching them to the fermented feed it only took a few days before the smell was almost gone. Obviously I still have to clean it out but with the reduced smell I am actually thinking of switching to the deep till method for this winter. I just ferment the same feed I would be giving them anyway so the nutrient balance should be about the same but just more digestible. The are really starting to love the ferment too.

Tivona, do you put a lid on the bucket, I didn't take the time to read all the 100 so pages but didn't see anything about a lid.

 

[tdgill]

I am still confused whether she is talking about the ducks body smell or the smell of the poo. If it is the duck's body that smells bad, is it possible there is an injury or infection somewhere?

eta: duh, just read the thread's title. lol

 

[Miss Lydia]

I am still confused whether she is talking about the ducks body smell or the smell of the poo. If it is the duck's body that smells bad, is it possible there is an injury or infection somewhere?

It's the poo. I'm pretty sure.

 

[tdgill]

Interesting about the fermented feed though. I had read about it at one time but will have to check it out again out of curiosity

 

[Tivona]

Tivona, do you put a lid on the bucket, I didn't take the time to read all the 100 so pages but didn't see anything about a lid.

Yes, you do need a lid of some sort but keep in mind that the cultures are alive, so don't put the lid on completely sealing off the air. I have a cloth over my bucket, then the lid with one side open a crack for ventilation. The cloth prevents bugs from flying in on the open side. Some use old pantyhose to cover the top which works too. The main idea seems to be to prevent insects from entering the bucket while allowing the mixture to breathe. Too tight of a lid could kill the good bacteria that need oxygen, making it go bad.

Basically everyone in the thread is saying that a few bugs won't hurt but why risk it if you can prevent a problem with them to began with. A bunch of fruit fly larva would be icky to deal with. And other types of flies are also interested and you never know where their little buggy feet have been. As long as you keep it on the acid side and keep up the good bacteria and yeasts then they will fight off any potential icky germs that might get in but its better keep out the bugs if you can in the first place.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Yes, you do need a lid of some sort but keep in mind that the cultures are alive, so don't put the lid on completely sealing off the air. I have a cloth over my bucket, then the lid with one side open a crack for ventilation. The cloth prevents bugs from flying in on the open side. Some use old pantyhose to cover the top which works too. The main idea seems to be to prevent insects from entering the bucket while allowing the mixture to breathe. Too tight of a lid could kill the good bacteria that need oxygen, making it go bad.

Basically everyone in the thread is saying that a few bugs won't hurt but why risk it if you can prevent a problem with them to began with. A bunch of fruit fly larva would be icky to deal with. And other types of flies are also interested and you never know where their little buggy feet have been. As long as you keep it on the acid side and keep up the good bacteria and yeasts then they will fight off any potential icky germs that might get in but its better keep out the bugs if you can in the first place.

Thanks for the info I figured there would have to be some kind of cover. Now to dig out my spare buckets!