Dirt floor coop cleaning/treatment

[docdubz]

I went with a dirt floor for my coops. When I clean it out I shovel out all the manure and scrape up the top quarter inch to half inch of dirt. I've noticed that it seems to be composting, the soil has warmth to it. Which it occurs to me that when I am scraping that top layer of dirt I am exposing the chickens to aenerobic bacteria. Should I be sprinkling something onto the soil when I clean?

 

[3KillerBs]

The composting action is a sign of healthy soil.

If you provide additional dry organic litter -- pine shavings, straw, pine straw, or whatever you have locally available -- you will give the composting organisms more to work with as they neutralize the poop and create the best possible amendment for your garden.

 

[aart]

Which it occurs to me that when I am scraping that top layer of dirt I am exposing the chickens to aenerobic bacteria.

But is it anaerobic?

It is slimy wet?
Does it smell terrible?
If not, it's probably fine.

How often are you doing this 'cleaning'?

Some pics might help here.

 

[ClaytonJ]

I went with a dirt floor for my coops. When I clean it out I shovel out all the manure and scrape up the top quarter inch to half inch of dirt. I've noticed that it seems to be composting, the soil has warmth to it. Which it occurs to me that when I am scraping that top layer of dirt I am exposing the chickens to aenerobic bacteria. Should I be sprinkling something onto the soil when I clean?

I do the same thing. I have been sprinkling “Diatomaceous Earth” or “DE” on the ground. I then sprinkle some “Ezcoop restore/anti smell on top of that. Lastly I will put down a thick layer of fresh hay as bedding and to keep the chickens dry and off ground. My chicks seem very happy and healthy. I do clean out my run and coop every 5 days. That may seem a little bit too much to some people but I myself wouldn’t like to walk around in a fecal filled area, so I guess that’s what works for me.
I like to have my coop and run smelling natural and clean! They deserve a clean/fun place to hang out. But that’s just me I guess!
At any rate, have yourself a good day and I hope your birds are happy/healthy and laying eggs.