Odor control in sand equipped run?

[smcgill]

OK what are the masses using to help with Odor control in there outdoor run that has sand ?

The sand seams to have taken hold of the poop odor!

Thanks
Sean

 

[sunflour]

Honestly I have never had and odor in the run and they have been on it for nearly 3 years without removing the original sand, but adding new sand and mixing it in when needed.

But I do rake out feathers, big poops - sift areas occasionally.

And add PDZ to any areas that get wet - dried poo is not odoriferous, but wet poop is awful.


Is you run covered? Does it get wet?

Mine is covered with a roof, but we do see some moisture in the perimeters after heavy rains but not a problem thus far.

 

[smcgill]

Honestly I have never had and odor in the run and they have been on it for nearly 3 years without removing the original sand, but adding new sand and mixing it in when needed.

But I do rake out feathers, big poops - sift areas occasionally.

And add PDZ to any areas that get wet - dried poo is not odoriferous, but wet poop is awful.


Is you run covered? Does it get wet?

Mine is covered with a roof, but we do see some moisture in the perimeters after heavy rains but not a problem thus far.

Half covered and yes it gets wet.
Been a slacker ... close to 2" of poop and you're right about the smell when wet!

Removed 99% down to sand again .. a least it's draining again !
Still some odor...

 

[TalkALittle]

I had huge odor issues with my sand. Here's the thread and my solution. I haven't updated in a while but I'm pleased to report there have been no odor issues since.https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/959402/help-springtime-stink-in-the-run

 

[sunflour]

I tried composting poop in a garbage can with drilled holes, it wasn't doing a lot so I added water and closed the lid. OMG my whole yard smelled like a sewage spill in just a few days.

Maybe sand is not the best solution in your situation. My coop/run is a little higher than the surrounding area and has a fair over hanging roof on all sides, even with severe rain we see only splats of rain inside. With dry sand, the poop dries and can be sifted out periodically.

You may consider adding dirt or other littler, move the flock out while you work and till it in?

But 2 inches of poop would be an awful job to deal with, good luck.

And get a mask or cloth to cover your nose and place a few drops of oil of clove on that - it will make the task a lot easier.

 

[TalkALittle]

After reading subsequent posts, the problem isn't the sand, it's the frequency (or infrequency ) of cleaning. I think that most who have sand rake out the poop regularly. The smaller the run, the more frequently the cleaning.

If you are a habitual "slacker" you might want to give the deep litter method some consideration. As I stated in the thread I linked to, I've not scooped a poop from my run since spring and no odor. When the birds poop, it is almost immediately covered by their scratching. No work at all. Once established, DL is the perfect solution for us "slackers".

 

[smcgill]

I tried composting poop in a garbage can with drilled holes, it wasn't doing a lot so I added water and closed the lid. OMG my whole yard smelled like a sewage spill in just a few days.

Maybe sand is not the best solution in your situation. My coop/run is a little higher than the surrounding area and has a fair over hanging roof on all sides, even with severe rain we see only splats of rain inside. With dry sand, the poop dries and can be sifted out periodically.

You may consider adding dirt or other littler, move the flock out while you work and till it in?

But 2 inches of poop would be an awful job to deal with, good luck.

And get a mask or cloth to cover your nose and place a few drops of oil of clove on that - it will make the task a lot easier.

I have no problem with the smell , I work in a waste water treatment plant!
Removing the wet poop was like shoveling wet heavy slushy snow, thank God snow doesn't smell like that!

What I'm looking for is what to mix in with the sand to help remove the lingering smell , PDZ , Barn Lime, Vinegar ?

 

[sunflour]

I have no problem with the smell , I work in a waste water treatment plant!
Removing the wet poop was like shoveling wet heavy slushy snow, thank God snow doesn't smell like that!

What I'm looking for is what to mix in with the sand to help remove the lingering smell , PDZ , Barn Lime, Vinegar ?

PDZ works by helping to dry and it reduces the smell - it's primary role is horse stall freshener . And is safe if the flock taste some.

I don't know the effect of lime and doubt you want to use vinegar there.

 

[marieff]

After reading subsequent posts, the problem isn't the sand, it's the frequency (or infrequency ) of cleaning. I think that most who have sand rake out the poop regularly. The smaller the run, the more frequently the cleaning.

If you are a habitual "slacker" you might want to give the deep litter method some consideration. As I stated in the thread I linked to, I've not scooped a poop from my run since spring and no odor. When the birds poop, it is almost immediately covered by their scratching. No work at all. Once established, DL is the perfect solution for us "slackers".

I have sand in my run and have had zero problem with smell. I rake the poop once a week and use a shovel to put it thru a homemade sifter I made out of 2X4s and hardware cloth. It makes my life so much easier! I think that the key is to keep up on the cleaning on a weekly basis, and you'll find you won't have problems with smell

 

[smcgill]

I think that the key is to keep up on the cleaning on a weekly basis, and you'll find you won't have problems with smell

This is a good idea in a perfect world. ... Some time life gets in the way ... New Years resolution is to keep up with the poop!