Is this safe for my chicks? Using a disinfectant to clean?

[Anianna]

Quote:
Mostly because I have an immune deficiency and any mess piling up makes me uncomfortable, as if it just exposes me to more old, rotting stuff that could make me sick.

Thanks for clarifying. I just wondered if there was a chicken health concern. Sorry to hear about your immune deficiency.

I believe there are several threads discussing the matter on BYC that might be enlightening. Do a search for "deep litter" and see what you come up with.

 

[earnhardtlvr]

twinkids*tripletchicks :

We do have a coop ready for them but it's pretty cold here still. It was so cold today for our memorial picnic today, we were all in winter coats. I think we are forecasted to be in the 60s next week, so maybe we will be moving out of this cold, wet spring that has been holding on. It really isn't too bad to clean up after them on the bare floor. There are only 3 chicks and so there is usually only about 5-10 poops to clean up each time I go in. I was worried about my 5 year olds tracking poop all through the house on the bottom of their shoes. I would probably not keep it so clean but for that. Thanks for the advice, I think I will scale back on the disinfectant and just go back to wiping up with paper towels.

Have u tried to see if u layed down paper towels on a ertain part of the floor if they would poopie there? Kinda of like how u paper train inside dogs to use the potty pads? Might be worth a try. They really like routine and when one does something the others want to do it...just a thought!

 

[Fritatta]

deep litter is so easy. when the chicks get a little older they will turn it up themselves - you wont have to. and while they are young, just run a rake over any concentrations you find (under roosts).

Through some treat on the litter and the chicks will scratch away.
I dont turn mine hardly ever. Though my 6 hens free range most of the day, so there really isnt a buildup. pine shavings keep it nice an dry and odorless. their litter is probably 12" deep. It looks like half shavings and half gorgeous black earth. I walk in the coop readily, and nothing gets stuck on my shoes.

 

[twinkids*tripletchicks]

We did have paper towels down, but they were eating them. One would run around making a ruckus, holding it in its mouth, and then the others would come and rip it up. And they would actually eat the paper towels. Not sure why, as they always have food available? Anyway, I wasn't sure if eating them was good for them, so I stopped putting it down.