Lime Versus DE For Odor Control

[corliss]

I've read all the posts here I can find on using DE for controlling odor in the coop. Some people seem to think it works wonders and others don't. I have reservations about using it at all since it does affect honeybees and earthworms. Adding DE to the compost (where my coop sand/poop is headed) seems like a bad idea as it'll kill harmless bugs nor do I want to put it anywhere near my garden in case the bees come into contact with it.
My question is whether garden/ag lime has any negative effects. If you use the pelletized form, does it harm chickens if they eat any? And does lime do a good job on odor control? I currently have six chickens and sand on the coop floor that is cleaned every day with a kitty litter scoop but that still has a distinctly bad smell. If you do use lime, how much do you use per square foot (our sand is about 3 inches thick in an 8 X 4 coop)?

 

[kidcallous]

I am curious about the best means for odor control as well. I'm still building my run, so I dont have any chickens yet. BUT, I want to keep the smell down as much as possible.

Is there Anybody out there?

 

[Big Chicken Little]

Lime is great for the compost but don't let the chickens eat it and they will. For odor I just replace their shavings every month.

 

[Country Living Farm]

I was told to use aggriculture lime and they can eat it.

 

[Shannon's Chix]

For odor you can look into Stall Dri or Sweet PDZ. I just bought a bad of Sweet PDZ but haven't used it yet. I don't know the effect it has on bugs and such but many people seem to use it with their chickens...

 

[oldchickenlady]

I am looking into the odor control issue also. If you use lime, is there a particular brand that is best to use or particular place to get it?

 

[laturcotte1]

We use Sweet PDZ in our horses stalls and goats barn; it is non toxic and sanitizes REALLY well. We use the granuales the powder makes me choke.

Rake it out, spread some Sweet PDZ and lay the shavings or whatever you use over the top. It should be absolulely safe for chickens too.

But what I find the best for the chickens is to clean the poo from the shavings, rooing poles etc every day. Come Saturday mornings everyone around here gets a thorough cleaning, visitors know to bring their rakes.

 

[WoodlandWoman]

Is your sand damp? Do you have any water leaks in there? I thought most of the people that have been trying sand inside their coops have been saying that the coop is dry and doesn't smell, as long as they are scooping the litter every day. The how-to I read on using sand recommended replacing the sand every few months, also. How long has the sand been in there? Maybe other sand users will show up and comment on your odor problem.

Are you using poop boards? I know a few people have complained about those smelling, when they weren't cleaned every day.

I haven't had a problem with the coops smelling using shavings and have never used anything for odor control. If you can't get your problem resolved with help from other sand users, you could always convert to using shavings.

 

[chicmom]

I had heard you buy "barn lime" for the stinky chicken runs......

For inside, I also use the pine shavings, and I just have a kitty litter scoop and I scoop poop daily. It's wonderful and not stinky at all.

 

[Lesa]

I am wondering why you are experiencing odor...As Woodland Woman, mentions, check out your coop carefully. Maybe they are spilling their water? I use wood chips, so I am not sure about sand smelling. If I keep the wood chips changed every 2 weeks or so- I have no smell at all. I assume you have adequate ventilation?