Changing Straw??? how often ........

[chicmom]

I really like the deep litter method as well. I use both pine shavings and a little straw mixed in. I put down some cracked corn so the chickens can scratch around the shavings and straw before I put a new layer on. I'll take my rake in there periodically and fluff it up too. I never have a bad smell. Ventilation is the key too.

 

[abhaya]

I put straw in the run to keep thier tender little feet off the ground Just kidding

I do use straw in the run tho they can dig around in it all they want. I toss scratch in it just to give them something to do. And if they keep turning it up I dont have to.

 

[Undercover Chicken Owner]

Just found this forum but have little time to figure out how to use it, so sorry if I seem lame... I have 8 new chicks (12 weeks old now) and am starting to notice the smell in the run now that's it's colder and damp. Have gone to great lengths to try to cover the run but they poop so much! I see that DE is a good thing to have, will look into that and the consensus seems to be straw over hay and shavings... maybe sand? The coop is dry and easy to clean, but the run is proving to be more challenging. My neighbors must not be inconvenienced by the smell or they will rat me out! Plus I like visiting with the girls, but the ground is really becoming stinky! I welcome any advice! Thanks

 

[Justuschicks]

You could try sand but I don't think it will do much for the smell. The birds might enjoy using it to take a dirt bath or may eat it as grit. I would start with cleaning everything out and starting fresh. Put down a layer of shavings first. Use pine not cedar. While cedar is good for the smell, the scent can be a bit strong for the chickens. Sprinkle the DE on top of the shavings then put a layer of straw. It doesn't have to be a real thick layer. Make sure you avoid inhaling the DE and try to keep the chicks away from the dust cloud. It isn't toxic or anything. It can irritate your eyes just like dirt can. The DE has a drying effect on things too so it may help absorb some of the moisture which causes the smell. Someone in this thread also mentioned using lime. I have never used that so I can not say if it works. You can leave this base layer down and just sprinkle fresh litter and DE. I haven't changed my run litter in about a month and just did my coop today. Did the coop because it was starting to have a little smell. The key is to keep things dry. If the litter is too thick then it can't dry out, especially as it gets cold. Hope this helps.

 

[Undercover Chicken Owner]

Thanks so much, I will get on this today as rain is expected later. I just don't think I keep the edges of the run dry. One more question, will the hens be able to do their "dusting" if they don't have loose dirt (because it's under all the shavings and straw and damp? I'm also reluctant to mention this: but our male rabbit lives in the chicken run and when the chicks got to be about 8 weeks old and quite big, he became obsessed with trying to "mate" with them..... it seems quite harmless yet pretty rude... I wish he would just ignore them. Has anyone ever seen this behavior from a rabbit to a hen?

 

[Justuschicks]

Hmmm I think the rabbit might be the problem behind the smell. I had an indoor rabbit for over a year and finally got rid of it because of the smell. I don't think it is a good idea to have the rabbit in with the chickens. You don't want them eating each others waste. As far as the rabbit's special feelings????? lol I heard from the family of my old rabbit and apparently he fell in love with their legs. If you insist on having the rabbit in with the chickens I would get him neutered. That will help a little with the smell and special feelings.

As far as the dirt under the shavings and straw. They will find the dirt and chickens are pretty good diggers. Mine find an area under the litter and one will start roughing up the dirt. Once one starts, they all seem to pitch in. If you would like, you can take a cat box and fill it with sand for their baths. I tried that for awhile but they seemed to like the ground better. I wouldn't worry too much about the edges getting wet. If you don't already, you could attach a tarp over the top of your enclosure. Thought I would mention too just in case you didn't catch it in the beginning of this tread, make sure you purchase food grade diatomaceous earth. Not the kind used for pool filtration.

 

[6chicks&aduck]

I use sand in the run during spring ,summer and fall and scoop it out w a cat litter scoop a few time s aweek .

This is the first time ive put straw down in the run ,its been in there about 3 weeks and needs a change ,otherwise it working good , the hens turn it over and scratch around in it alot !
i use shavings inside the coop , which i change e/o week and clean up droppings from under the roost daily .

when spring comes i wiil clean the run down to the dirt and put in fresh sand , they love their sand to dust in

Hope this gives u some ideas