PEE YOU!!!!!

[amandawv]

i just took the plastic off my coop from the winter and used a rotor tiller on the ground. OMG does it STINK! Any tips on how to kill the stench?

 

[21hens-incharge]

The lack of air flow and no rain or snow melt washing the smelly stuff in to the ground is what I think has happened.
Is the run getting some sun now or is it fully shaded?
I would get some sweet PDZ and use that to get the worst of the smell to go away. I would also till it again in a week and repeat if needed.
You could also spread a bale of alfalfa in the run and let the ladies do some of the work too.

 

[PapaChaz]

I'd bet the two factors most responsible for the smell are, the already mentioned lack of airflow, and the bedding not being turned or fluffed.

There's a current thread on the deep litter method going on a little farther down the page. It's very informative and helpful for avoiding this in the future

 

[11mini]

I spread this over my manure/shavings/dirt pile and it really cut down the smell. You could try tilling some of this in.

 

[amandawv]

Would this be ok to use with my hens.

I spread this over my manure/shavings/dirt pile and it really cut down the smell. You could try tilling some of this in.

 

[PapaChaz]

is that garden lime? garden lime isn't really the lime known for cutting smells down, that's more for adjusting the pH level of the soil. Not sure I'd use that in there where the chickens are. You have to be careful with lime, certain types can cause burns. I do admit I'm not sure if this would, but I'd be checking it out for sure before I'd put it in.

I'm still going to advise to just let it get some air and dry out. Keep it turned and let it compost. Add some more carbon matter on top, wood chips, grass clippings, leaves, shavings etc etc and go through and turn it once a week or so

 

[RonP]

I agree, to add carbon matter, dried leaves should be available at this time, coarse wood chips would be great.

Do not add grass clippings unless completely dried. They are an excellent source of nitrogen when green, not carbon.

If it stinks, it's usually too much nitrogen.

Aeration is essential, your litter will quickly compost once in balance.

 

[Cabin Katie]

I usually just use good old fasioned wood shavings. The smell you are smelling is probably pure amonia, wood shavings break down amonia.

 

[Cabin Katie]

Btw nice title, lol.