I have a minimal odor and I live in the city as well. Every now and again I can smell what my friend calls "chickeny" smell from the run but that is few and far in between.
I started out with grass in the run, which got turned into dirt, which got turned into mud. Gross for everyone involved. I am a advocate of the sand in a run. I put down 3 inches and will go get another load of sand for a total of 7-12 inches of sand in the run. It is easy to scoop out the poop, their water has stayed clean, and the chickens like to dig. Plus its a natural source of grit. (I got builders grade sand)
In the coop I use shavings but not the deep litter method. I clean the coop out once a week with fresh shavings. One neighbor didn't even know I had chickens till I mentioned it, that is how I would like to keep it.
I also NEVER keep food outside if its going to rain. I never put the water inside the coop but the food does go in if it rains. Smelly food is pretty bad and it only smells if it gets wet.
So you have quite a few options here from this thread alone. Good luck!
I started out with grass in the run, which got turned into dirt, which got turned into mud. Gross for everyone involved. I am a advocate of the sand in a run. I put down 3 inches and will go get another load of sand for a total of 7-12 inches of sand in the run. It is easy to scoop out the poop, their water has stayed clean, and the chickens like to dig. Plus its a natural source of grit. (I got builders grade sand)
In the coop I use shavings but not the deep litter method. I clean the coop out once a week with fresh shavings. One neighbor didn't even know I had chickens till I mentioned it, that is how I would like to keep it.
I also NEVER keep food outside if its going to rain. I never put the water inside the coop but the food does go in if it rains. Smelly food is pretty bad and it only smells if it gets wet.
So you have quite a few options here from this thread alone. Good luck!
