OK....Tel Me the Truth!

[Rhoise]

Maybe I should clarify? "large area near pool" can mean anything.........., 12 or 14 chickens in a 140 square foot coop filled with pine shavings will smell wonderful if spot cleaned occationally, but 6 chickens in a 50 square foot coop and run combined(Witchita design), only let out for an hour a day, even if you clean it daily is gonna have an oder after coming home from an 8 hour work day. Yes you are all correct chickens don't smell but their poo does when wet or dry. The moister it is the worse it smells. Deep litter works great in ample square footage formula. I think next to a pool I'd say 3 in a coop that size(coop is 5x4, and run is 5x10?)

 

[silkiechicken]

Wet chickens and muddy poop = smells strong. Dry chickens, dry coop.... it'll smell like shavings, but it is a lot of work to maintain. If you have three 2lb banties, they will smell significantly less than three 10lb jersey giants (6 vs 30lbs of birds). So it's really hard to say.

 

[devora]

Well, it doesn't rain in LA (comparatively) so you're good on staying dry.

They also poop when they free range so consider that.

You didn't ask about noise but there are some posts on BYC occasionally complaining about noise. Chickens are noisy. If your time by the pool is meant to be enjoyed in silence that might be an issue.

They are so fun to have! Our coop is directly below our deck and we have no smell. It would ruin the partaking of margaritas!