Newbie Getting Conflicting Information

[tamichels]

Hi,

I recently got two Serama hens which I am keeping inside. I have a 62" long run with a built-in "house" on the upper level. I have placed it on a plastic 6' long table and it has a wooden base around the bottom that is approximately 6" tall. I was told that wood shavings would be a good material to use in the coop, but now am hearing that basically all wood shavings have carcinogenic properties to them. I can't really use sand because there is no way I can keep it from getting out of the coop. Straw sounded good, but apparently doesn't release moisture, and so it could cause pathogens to grow. I'm also finding that I feel bad for the chickens pecking away on a hard plastic surface. I was also told that diatomaceous earth could be used for a dust bath, but now am hearing that it can give the chickens respiratory problems. So, here are my questions:
1. Could some kind of rubber or similar-type mat be placed at the bottom of the run to provide a "softer" surface for the hens to forage on? If so, what material?
2. What is the best option for litter in the coop? Is there anything other than sand or straw that is safe?
3. If I use straw, how can I prevent pathogen growth?
4. What can I mix diatomaceous earth with safely to use as a dust bath?
5. How can I keep my coop the cleanest possible to prevent any bacterial, pathogenic or parasitic problems from cropping up that could affect the chickens themselves, my husband and myself, our small dogs that live in the house (not in the chicken room) and our Bourke's Parakeets that also live in the house (not in the chicken room)?

One last unrelated question. My girls are very timid, especially the smaller of the two. Do you have any suggestions for getting them used to being handled and interacting with us?

Thank you in advance for any help you can provide!

 

[Lovesumchicks]

I have used pine shavings for years and never have had a problem. I also have used straw but personally don't like it.

I clean my coop once a week by removing poop clumps and I use barnlime under my shavings so that it keeps smell and bacteria away. I then after removing lots of poop just put more shavings. Alot of people do the deep litter method as well.

 

[Lovesumchicks]

Do you have them by a window that could bring in sunlight every day? Chickens need lots of sunlight or any light every day.

 

[featheredplanets]

I don’t really understand your description of your run/coop, so I’m sorry if my answers don’t really match to your situation...

1. They don’t need a soft surface. Harder surfaces are good for their nails and beaks. Wood chips/bark, straw, sand are all fine to use in the run though.
2. I’ve never heard of wood shavings being carcinogenic, but there are some alternatives if that concerns you. There are hemp beddings, paper based beddings (tend to be pricier), sand, you’ll find plenty more with a quick Google search.
3. I’ve no idea. I’d assume turning it will help oxygenate it.
4. DE is completely useless for anything regarding poultry and yes, it can be harmful to them.
5. Worm them regularly. Use Permethrin to delouse. Keep the area wild bird, rat, mouse free. Plenty of ventilation. Other than that, there’s not much you need to do, a spick and span environment will only make them more susceptible.

 

[Texas Transplant]

There will ALWAYS be conflicting information available, opinions are as varied as the people that dish them out. Science is a good approach, look for articles that have good references. That being said. Hemp bedding is relatively dust free and good at absorbing moisture, therefore, helps keep bacterial growth under control, you can buy it on Amazon & other sites. Your girls will need a way to dust bathe, there are many home recipes on the internet. I personally use fresh herbs out of the garden in their dust bath and nest boxes (thyme, mint, calendula, rosemary & lavender) which also helps keep mites etc away (and smells good too).
As far as making "friends" with your hens, patience is a virtue. Holding your hand open with treats (tiny pieces of tomatoes, dried crickets, flax seed, watermelon etc) while not moving and talking softly works well. Just consistently do that & they'll most likely come around. When you do graduate to touching try only touching their chest first and then maybe sides....side of face......touching from the top of them can make them nervous, as this is the usual approach of a predator. I would also let them hop and walk on me before trying to touch them.

Good Luck

 

[Kiki]

Can you post pictures?

 

[Texas Transplant]

Do you have them by a window that could bring in sunlight every day? Chickens need lots of sunlight or any light every day.

VERY good point.

 

[black_cat]

I use pine shavings in the coop without any issues. You want to avoid cedar shavings at all costs, though. The oils cause lots of problems with the chickens. For any mat that you give them in the run, you should make sure that they can't pick it apart. It would probably be good to have some sort of dirt or sod for them to have in at least part of it. Pictures would also help a lot.

 

[CinnaBun]

Do you have space to add a poop board or hammock under roost bar? Use sweet pdz, sand etc- Popular method.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I think a lot of responders are confused - these are indoor chickens and the coop/run (which I assume is a typical prefab) are inside the house. So no, no deep litter, no predators, etc.

Note that I do NOT have any experience with keeping chickens in a house, so most of this advice is taken from having them outside...

1. Could some kind of rubber or similar-type mat be placed at the bottom of the run to provide a "softer" surface for the hens to forage on? If so, what material?

Stall mats? Nothing foam for sure.

2. What is the best option for litter in the coop? Is there anything other than sand or straw that is safe?

Aspen wood shavings have the lowest amount of aromatics of the commonly available shavings, maybe look into that?

4. What can I mix diatomaceous earth with safely to use as a dust bath?

I 100% would NOT use DE in any form in your set up. You will be breathing it in as well as your animals. Plain topsoil would probably be a better option, and a little less dusty than other alternatives.

5. How can I keep my coop the cleanest possible to prevent any bacterial, pathogenic or parasitic problems from cropping up that could affect the chickens themselves, my husband and myself

Normally you wouldn't want to do that in order to build up their immune system, but if they're never going out I guess treat them as you would any other indoor bird?