Keeping Run Smell & Flies Down?

[Heme]

I did not know of a toxicity issue! I use it on the wood shavings and never noticed any effects. I had assumed that as long as the spray was used airborne and on fabrics around children and pets in an enclosed environment; it was safe.

I will look closely into the issue as any effect on a small bird would surely be detrimental to our kids as well.

 

[Heme]

The latest version of Febreze uses a different agent to speed drying, P&G said. "Like all our products, Febreze and its ingredients were tested extensively to ensure that the product is safe for humans, pets, and the environment," the P&G fact sheet said. "This safety data was reviewed by more than 100 scientists, doctors, safety experts, and veterinarians, and all have come to the same conclusion: Febreze is safe."
Since birds are more sensitive to airborne chemicals, it is wise to remove birds from the room whenever aerosol cleaners are used and to return them when the product has dried and the area has been ventilated, Hansen said.

 

[chickenmadness7]

I have to concur about the febreeze. I have pet birds and would never use febreeze in my home because it will kill birds. I wouldn't want to chance it around chickens either.

 

[islandgirl82]

There are herbs (fresh or dried) you can place in your coop/nesting boxes that will reduce smell and deter pests in addition to regular cleaning.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/817247/using-herbs-in-nesting-boxes

http://www.grit.com/animals/nesting-box-herbs-chicken-aromatherapy.aspx#axzz36X0DWQWg

 

[Heme]

Being comfortable with various products is well understood.

The reason I spoke on this subject was because of the Most Recent changes to the product that removed the previous distrust and fears.

Perhaps at one time the chemical had some toxic components; however the company PG did extensive tests on a new formula and over 100 Scientific Experts agreed it was now safe.

The issue was the chemical properties did not dry properly, whereas they do now.

Would I SPRAY Fabeze in the presence of birds, NO. Would I spray it on shaved wood and let dry a day or two; Yes. I have done that for some time now with absolutely no effect on the hens. The point of the matter is if anyone is one bit afraid of contamination then absolutely do not go there.

I respect your decision 100% and you should always follow your convictions.

 

[silly4buttons]

I use Sweet PDZ (granules not powder). It's a horse stall conditioner we've been using for years for our horses and when we began with chickens I made sure it was safe for them. It neutralizes ammonia. We also rototill the chicken run periodically to turn the ground and keep it loose so the poop drains through. We also hang the fly bag traps from Lowes (about $5 each) from trees around the runs and paddocks. We also have tried the fly predators for years but I'm afraid the chickens end up eating the predator fly larvae. (A very expensive treat! Lol)

I love those fly bags

 

[Heme]

Smell…Pest-control…and Digestive Aid…”ALL-IN-One” application. Give your Girls and/or Rooster a Healthy Environment. Works all year around, especially well in the hot summer. This mix will do wonders and it is low cost and you do it yourself.
Parts needed are cheap Contractors sand from Lowes, a 50lb bag for $3.00 (not play sand). PDZ from Tractor supply and Diatomaceous Earth.
The Contractor Sand is grit, fine pebbles and some sand mix that I place in my mixing bucket, a scoop at a time, followed by Dia-earth about 1/2 cup, and one cup PDZ. MIX WELL. Add in these proportions until you reach the amount you wish to lay down on the coop floor-bed. I make a full bucket, approximately 25 lbs in all.
How it works: Contractor sand has useful grit for digestive aid as well as absorbent action. PDZ is a powerful Non-toxic deodorant absorbing the odor from waste-by-products, and the Dia-earth will help kill small bugs and parasites. Works 100% of the time.

 

[Heme]

PDZ comes in Granules, not a powder as far as I know. Yes it is primarily used in horse stalls for the purposes mentioned and being nontoxic it is favorable to animals and birds.
The Diatomaceous Earth is great for killing off pests that breed off of the birds and multiply in ground & floor cover in pens and surrounding areas. I also get cheap top soil to replace the dirt my Gals tend to scratch out of the coop. I mix the soil (20-25 lbs.) with equal amount of Contractor sand. Then I take that mix and put a scoop of Dia-earth and TWO scoops of PDZ granules and mix as best I can in a large tub. I am careful to use a MASK so I do not get the Diatomaceous Earth ingested into my lungs. It won't do damage, but it is an irritant.

The other thing I do after layering new dirt mix is to scatter a layer of hay over the soil. During the winter (cold periods) the layer of hay acts as insulation for the Gals as they lay on the ground when not running around the area. The new hay gives then something to do, seems to have elements or morsels they like to eat, and is easy to collect when waste materials tend to build up.

 

[Xtineart]

I'm going to look into the horse PDZ stuff or whatever is similar in the UK as the mud around my run is stinky, really really stinky. I have heavy clay soil and when it rains there is no drainage so everything gets muddy and smells to high heavens. I thought there had to be something I could mix in to help as turning the soil only releases more smell.

 

[georgiagail]

We use sand. Luckily we can get half a pick up truck full (a full scoop is too heavy for my small pick up) for $7.50. It's the hauling it down to the runs that's a work out. But we only need to do this about two or three times a year. Chickens love to play in the new stuff. Dries their poop out nicely.

Gail