Keeping Run Smell & Flies Down?

[chickenmadness7]

What are some ways to keep the run free from smells and flies, besides the obvious cleaning of poop every day? I'm a new chicken mama. Thank you!

 

[stac545]

I compost my leaves and grass clippings in the run. I dont have any issues with smell or flies.

 

[KristineY]

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)

 

[RonP]

Read up on deep litter for the run.

Lots of information.

Lots of opinions.

 

[Irishhenman]

What are some ways to keep the run free from smells and flies, besides the obvious cleaning of poop every day?  I'm a new chicken mama.  Thank you!

No matter what you do to keep smell down and flys away, the best and healthiest way is to clean the house out regularly

 

[nuttyboo]

I have sand down in my coop with "Stable Boy" mixed in absorbs the ammonia smell wonderful, I usually stoop and scoop at least once a day takes about 10minuted. I know they could go a couple of days but I hate the thought of it when I see them walking through the poop. New chicken mom here lol

 

[chickenmadness7]

Well I mistakenly bought the PDZ powder instead of the granules. Still usable?

I also began laying sand in the run.

 

[Heme]

I tried using Fabreeze Spary on my wood shavings and the hens smell good. Fly's did not go there either.

 

[Sabz]

Febreeze is highly toxic for parrot and house birds (as well as scented candles).

I would surely not use it in my coop.

 

[Ridgerunner]

To me, the biggest thing is to keep it as dry as possible. Wet poop will stink, dry poop won't. That's not always easy to do.

Another thing is to not let the poop build up to any thickness. A thick layer will hold moisture and smell. Wet poop and thick poop attracts flies too.