DLM w/ pine bedding starting to smell like ammonia...Need help

[JessHall]

As I said, we are using a DLM w/ pine shavings in our coop. It's not over crowded in there and there is plenty of ventilation.
The coop has only been built for like a month, therefore the bedding has only been down for about 4 weeks.
I turn the bedding almost every other day, but last night I noticed an ammonia smell.
What can I do, or do I need to start all over again?

 

[fordmommy]

I use Red Lake DE and I don't have any smell. I got mine from my local feed store, $17.00 for a 40 lb bag. I works awesome. I even put it in my dog's 30x40 kennel because it stunk to high heaven of urine. Within a week...NO smell.

I started with barn lime and found that to be junk.

 

[TXmom]

How much bedding do you have in there? You probably just need to add more shavings, especially if you haven't added more in 4 weeks. Mine is getting very deep...like over 6 inches now.

 

[JessHall]

My bedding is pretty deep too... about six inches. I wonder if I added shavings too fast

 

[Monk]

My shavings are about 4-6" deep. I stir it up about once a week. I have added DE twice in the last two months, about 1/2 cup or so. My coop is only 4'x 6', six birds and still smelling fresh.

 

[greathorse]

Quote:
If you have ammonia you are most likely getting it wet somehow. I have had the same shavings for a long time and still not gettting any odor. I do have a roost board so most of the manure is carried out but seems like real quick to get ammonia.

 

[kathyinmo]

I also have deep litter method, and have had no ammonia or any odor. I do sprinkle DE every couple weeks, and I do have a droppings board that I clean off daily.

I tend to agree with greathorse, I think you must be getting moisture in there someway, if you have plenty of shavings.