Coop bedding & DE usage

[rc4u]

just put a little chips on the leaves in there, dont take em out,, then put some straw on that and you will deep litter very easy n no smell. ive never had smell in my coop in many yrs since started , and never have clean out completly just take some out n add some more once or twice a yr.. poop boards you hve to take of n deep litre is so easy and no smell

 

[aart]

It does work to control insects.

DE does not control insects...as much as we wish it did and no matter how many people says it does.

It’s also called “stall refresher”

Ye, the large bags are marketed to horse keepers to freshen stall.
The brand name is Sweet PDZ

 

[rosemarythyme]

If it's been a couple of years since chickens were last in there, I'd just sweep it out and call it a day.

Normally would recommend deep litter but the wheelchair is a consideration, so sand might be a better option for you as it may be easier to roll over than the litter.

I think I read somewhere here they need boards wide enough to roost flat footed, as opposed to trying to grip the roost as a raptor would...?

Nah, they can grip just fine. You can use 2x3s, 2x4s, thick branches (approx 2" diameter or more)... the chickens won't really care.

 

[Baumshell28]

If it's been a couple of years since chickens were last in there, I'd just sweep it out and call it a day.

Normally would recommend deep litter but the wheelchair is a consideration, so sand might be a better option for you as it may be easier to roll over than the litter.



Nah, they can grip just fine. You can use 2x3s, 2x4s, thick branches (approx 2" diameter or more)... the chickens won't really care.

I think I’m going to try sand. And now that I’ve seen examples of sand filled poop boards, that is my next must have...I’ve already got my son planning them out!

 

[spartacus_63]

DE does not control insects...as much as we wish it did and no matter how many people says it does.

Ye, the large bags are marketed to horse keepers to freshen stall.
The brand name is Sweet PDZ
View attachment 2104470

I work in the pest control business and use DE as part of the control regimine. DE is effective at controlling pest, especially pest such as mites, but like all controlling agents, it must be used properly to be effective. Often times folks expect powders to do more and fail to understand how they work. If you have a large infestation, DE is not going to cure it overnight, but when used as a preventive, it is very effective, but to each their own.

The only way DE could be a Stall Refressher is by acting as a drying agent, which any powder would also do.

DE is good because it is non toxic, but saw dust would remove the Ammonia smell just as well.

 

[aart]

but saw dust would remove the Ammonia smell just as well.

It would absorb liquid and the wood may help to break down nitrates,
mostly it 'perfumes' the odors.
Nothing works as well as zeolite which transforms ammonia immediately upon contact.

 

[Baumshell28]

Yay! My son built the new door and put it up yesterday. Will also be adding additional latches to the top & bottom corners. A couple more coop upgrades & the girls can move out of my utility room & into their own place. They’ll spend a few days getting to know their new home while we re-fence & build a new gate for the run!!!

 

[Farmgirl1878]

I buy sand by the dump truck load from our local quarry. It’s washed, natural, coarse river sand. The girls eat it for grit, dust bathe in it, and it doesn’t get too hot or cold as long as it’s in the shade.