This is my first flock, so I'm learning as I go. Chicks had been inoculated for Marek's. I dust the planks (which are over concrete) with food-grade DE frequently, paying special attention to the perimeter. I sprinkle the porch leading into the coop liberally with DE about once a week so that I lessen the chances of carrying active pests or eggs in. I also use Stable Boy in the bedding because it's a wonderful way to neutralize ammonia. I spot-clean rather than use the deep litter method. I have nothing against the deep-litter method but I don't need it in my set-up. I keep Dri-Kill on hand though I haven't used it yet. It contains sulfur and rotenone and can be used in bedding and nests.
If I see Sevin somewhere I'll probably get it. Both can be used mixed with DE as a preventive. I'm trying to reserve my use for a time of need. I use DE and Stable Biy in the run too, especially around the edge and in any holes the hens dig. I use DE as a preventive in their sand box indoors and under the hay bedding in their nest boxes, which I change every week or so, at the first sign of manure.
So far so good. As Pat says, prevention is key. I had new ground so it's working so far, but there is no guarantee that something from a wild bird might not get into the run inadvertently, so I'm prepared.
Oh and fresh water twice a day, in their heated dog bowl. Heated water is more likely to harbor bacteria. Not that chickens can't handle some, but it makes *me* feel better.
Feed hopper kept topped up, I'm especially concerned in winter and prefer to free-feed. I feed treats indoors for ease of cleanup.
Between the spot-cleaning (daily) and the addition of 1 bale of new bedding every second week or so, the coop has remained in good shape. Birds are clean and dry.
If you are among the birds, even the play time provides information. You'll notice things and each individual will have a 'normal' that helps you to reference trouble.
If I see Sevin somewhere I'll probably get it. Both can be used mixed with DE as a preventive. I'm trying to reserve my use for a time of need. I use DE and Stable Biy in the run too, especially around the edge and in any holes the hens dig. I use DE as a preventive in their sand box indoors and under the hay bedding in their nest boxes, which I change every week or so, at the first sign of manure.
So far so good. As Pat says, prevention is key. I had new ground so it's working so far, but there is no guarantee that something from a wild bird might not get into the run inadvertently, so I'm prepared.
Oh and fresh water twice a day, in their heated dog bowl. Heated water is more likely to harbor bacteria. Not that chickens can't handle some, but it makes *me* feel better.
Feed hopper kept topped up, I'm especially concerned in winter and prefer to free-feed. I feed treats indoors for ease of cleanup.
Between the spot-cleaning (daily) and the addition of 1 bale of new bedding every second week or so, the coop has remained in good shape. Birds are clean and dry.
If you are among the birds, even the play time provides information. You'll notice things and each individual will have a 'normal' that helps you to reference trouble.
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