Can you use something other than DE for the smell?

[Crazy4Chicks]

I am trying to use the deep litter method in the coop since winter is finally here and I want my chickens nice and warm.
I read on here all the time that DE is great for controlling the chicken poop smell - but I am having a hard time finding it here and when I look online it is kinda pricey- is there something else i might be able to use to help with smell that will not harm the chickens?

any ideas will be great
thanks
Julie

 

[justusnak]

You can use Sweet PDZ. Thats what I use...ALOT cheaper than the DE. I only use DE for feed, and dusting. Something else you can use is Stall Fresh. Either one you can get a farm supply store.

 

[Crazy4Chicks]

thank you i will check and see what one will work best for us. I have noticed that the coop has been smelling a little funky lately so I will look this weekend.


Julie

 

[kstaven]

Your litter may not be getting turned over enough and over packing. You may want to try throwing some scratch feed on the floor and let the chickens go searching for it. They are great little litter turners with the right motivation.

 

[Crazy4Chicks]

great idea thank you - they were eating outside but since it has started to snow I moved thier food/water in the coop- never thought of putting the little buggers to work- about time they did some work around here for all the feed/corn/oatmeal etc..etc.. i give them LOL

Julie

 

[hoosierhen]

What is Sweet PDZ?

 

[tx_dane_mom]

My husband uses lime in our pens....I am under the impression that that's safe...any opinions?
Kristi

 

[Scrambled Egg]

If it's agricultural lime, it should be loaded with calcium and magnesium. I put quite a few pounds of it in my pond when it was first "curing" and it has always been a healthy pond with scads of fish. Read the label on the lim and as with anything else, be judicious about how much you use. My vote is that is would be ok in small amounts, I would likely email unicorn though and just double check.....

 

[Tuffoldhen]

The only kind of lime that is safe to use around chickens is garden lime...the hydrated kind will burn their feet and should only be used if the chickens are going to be out of the run for acouple weeks or so and the ground tilled before and after....

Another option I use Dry Stall mixed with my DE to control odors in winter.....

 

[tx_dane_mom]

Hmm, i'll have to check this out then. It's chaulky white. It hurts to breath it in. Sounds like I may need to get something else. Right now my real problem is absorbing all the wetness as my big pen is a real 'mud bath'.
Kristi