PDZ alternative

[Soon2BChixMom]

Barn lime I think is essentially what PDZ is?

I would try baking soda before kitty litter.

My droppings boards just gets droppings... I add PDZ after I clean to any area that has odor/moisture absorbed in. I tried all kinds of different media and felt it was mostly wasted media... BUT I do like rice hulls a lot! I haven't tried them on my droppings boards YET.

Have you asked TSC when it would be in or to order any for you. My LFS had to order it for me.

I personally won't have DE (even food grade) at my place... but that might be another option for you.

Good luck!

Barn lime is not pdz. Barn lime is basically crushed limestone. Pdz is a zeolite mineral. Two different products.
http://info.mannapro.com/equine/Using-Barn-Lime-Think-Again-Our-Friend-Sweet-Pea-Explains-Why
Also, you have to be careful to make sure to get barn lime and not the other forms of lime or it can be caustic to the chickens if not used properly.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

You could just buy the pdz when it's in stock and just have an extra bag ready when needed.
Or order it via tsc to be delivered to your store for when you need to pick it up.

 

[fldiver97]

Curious, do you just add PDZ as needed or change it all out on occasion?

@aart - I scoop daily, replenish as needed. Once or twice a year I dump all, do a thorough cleaning.

 

[andreanar]

Curious, do you just add PDZ as needed or change it all out on occasion?

I scoop every day, and add more as needed. I have one hen that likes to dust bathe in it before getting on the roost Im sure its not good for her, but I cant stop her.

 

[Mosey2003]

Get on the TSC website and order the PDZ, and have it shipped to store. Then it HAS to come in on the truck.

It's not harmful for them to dust bathe in or even eat if they like, FYI. Bit dusty, but so is most stuff they bathe in.

 

[aart]

I scoop every day, and add more as needed. I have one hen that likes to dust bathe in it before getting on the roost Im sure its not good for her, but I cant stop her.

Well, ya can.
I started using less than a 1/2" when they started dust bathing in it back 5 year ago.
Now I use even less than that, probably more like 1/4" to a mere dusting, but I sift all the PDZ on the board every day and add some as needed.
I use this cut down hoe to scrape it all close then push into the mesh basket to sift.
Then spread the sifted PDZ back out with the 'leveler' (screws are now much shorter) shown below.