Chickens hanging out under deck - smell?

[beccawchick]

My 3 bantam cochins have been hanging out during the day under our low deck. Under the deck is 100% sand. I'm wondering if it's going to start to reek like poop. We hang out on the deck and I don't want poop smells wafting up lol. Will the sand just absorb the poop? It's nearly impossible to clean under because it's a low deck - maybe 2-3 feet underneath. The dimensions are about 12x25 feet. Thoughts? Thanks! I'm wondering if we should hammer lattice or hardware cloth to keep them out or let them keep going under. It is nice for dust baths and staying cool - and keeping poop out of the areas where we walk.

 

[sourland]

I doubt that 3 bantams would cause that much stench, but lattice would guarantee that there would be no problem.

 

[Waynesworld92]

I would put lattice up. My coop is under my deck and I am vigilant on scooping the coop, putting down DE and turning the sand on the run. Without that, I believe over time, it would start to stink and it would be hard to change once it happened. Hope that helps!

 

[21hens-incharge]

One thing I would worry about perhaps more than the smell would be the hunt for eggs. Cochins are a broody breed and surely they would find that a perfect spot to hide the nest.
I would put up lattice asap.