do you scrape your droppings board in winter?

[mener6896]

I'm wondering if a plastic shower curtain would work?

 

[LynneP]

You mean flat on the dropping board or on a slant to catch the mess so you can wrap it in the plastic?

I think layers of cardboard would be as effective and could be taken off from the top down.

But the powder *does work*, really even when it's freezing.

 

[mdbokc]

Sprinkling wood shavings makes a big difference in how hard materials are to remove. A 7 cu ft bale of shavings lasts a long time; no dust from DE with closed windows; already have it for the floor so already readily available. Just another idea.

 

[LynneP]

I agree, anything that makes it easier to scrape should work, so long as it's safe to use around chickens. I don't get dust from the DE, by the way, it's a dessicant so under the manure it simply defines a line for the scraper. Using shavings and DE would be a perfect solution.

 

[Mrs MIA]

I sprinkle shavings on a linoleum-covered dropping board on the floor of the coop. Even when I let it go a little longer than I should, it comes up easily with a pitchfork or scraper. Ice chippers work, too.

 

[mener6896]

the shower curtain would be flat on the droppings board. I will definitely use DE to get the 'concrete' off first

 

[Bookworm chick]

Quote:
LynneP,
Mine also sleep on our platform. We had roosts but none used them. The rooster likes the platform so that's where they go. I also put the shavings on the platform and have no trouble with the poop getting frozen fast. I think between them sleeping on the platform with their feet underneath them and with the added shavings, they stay warmer.

 

[patandchickens]

A bit of 'used' litter scooped up from the floor works just as well to keep poo from freezing to the board, is basically dust-free (no dustier than your floor, anyhow) and is TOTALLY FREE

Also, unlike DE, it improves the compostability of your poo-board cleanings if you are putting them in a pile that isn't getting lots of other low-N high-C materials. (If you are composting your poo-board cleanings along with frequent cleanings-out of used bedding, that is not an issue at all, but if you compost it separately it does make a real difference)

Pat

 

[Opa]

In my large fowl coop I have three roosts that are just over 8' long. I built 2 4'x4 frames using 1x3 and RFP )reinforced fiberglass panel). These are suspended from the roosts and sprinkled with a light coating of stall dry. Twice a week I remove a 5 gal pail of dropping from them.

 

[LynneP]

Bookworm Chick- It's interesting how an alpha or rooster can make that decision. The alpha leads them to the roost after laying in the morning, and after supper for a 'groom and gossip' and then they either head outside or at night, they fly over to the platform and settle in for the night.