Plastic covered run shows condensation

[Rkhan]

I have pine shavings and chicken poop. That’s all I have in there
This morning there was no condensation on the sides!!!

 

[chickens really]

I have pine shavings and chicken poop. That’s all I have in there
This morning there was no condensation on the sides!!!

Yes. I'm thinking everything with dry up with time. Keep the pine shavings cleaned because poop provides moisture. Just keep watching and change as needed.

 

[Rkhan]

Hello once again.
The ammonia smell is back. I have fixed the ventilation and the ammonia smell did disappear for a while but now it's back.
Couple of things, should I turn the bedding over every 2-3 days since my chickens are slackers?
Should I add fresh bedding to the already foot deep bedding to "balance" the pH levels?
Can I add wood ash (from clean wood) to eliminate the ammonia odor? I have heard that if ash gets wet, it is caustic and very harmful to chickens.
Please pardon my ignorance but I am new to chicken keeping and chicken obsession is REAL!
Thanks once again for all your helpful advice.

 

[chickens really]

Hello once again.
The ammonia smell is back. I have fixed the ventilation and the ammonia smell did disappear for a while but now it's back.
Couple of things, should I turn the bedding over every 2-3 days since my chickens are slackers?
Should I add fresh bedding to the already foot deep bedding to "balance" the pH levels?
Can I add wood ash (from clean wood) to eliminate the ammonia odor? I have heard that if ash gets wet, it is caustic and very harmful to chickens.
Please pardon my ignorance but I am new to chicken keeping and chicken obsession is REAL!
Thanks once again for all your helpful advice.

What are you using? Pine shavings? I'm getting confused and not going to read the entire thread again..

 

[Rkhan]

What are you using? Pine shavings? I'm getting confused and not going to read the entire thread again..

yes, pine shavings

 

[chickens really]

yes, pine shavings

Well you still need to clean the Coop. So even if you turn it or they do it shouldn't smell too bad unless your not used to the smell of chickens in general?

 

[Rkhan]

Well you still need to clean the Coop. So even if you turn it or they do it shouldn't smell too bad unless your not used to the smell of chickens in general?

It doesn't smell like chickens, it smells like ammonia.
Also, by cleaning do you mean removing all chicken poop from the run? I am using the deep litter method to avoid having to scoop all the poop from the run (which is covered to keep the rain out). I am cleaning their hen house so there is no smell there.
I cleaned out 85% of the bedding out and threw it away and put new fresh bedding in (FINE pine shavings from Tractor Supply).

 

[aart]

I am using the deep litter method to avoid having to scoop all the poop from the run

Deep litter needs more than just shavings..even with good ingredients, it can be a delicate balance.
Your run is rather small (and are the sides still covered up?) so less air flow can be a problem too.

 

[Rkhan]

Deep litter needs more than just shavings..even with good ingredients, it can be a delicate balance.
Your run is rather small (and are the sides still covered up?) so less air flow can be a problem too.

aart: The sides are not covered since the last time i was suggested that I need to fold down the plastic. So only half of the sides are covered. I wasn't adding fresh shavings every now and then, and only turning the bedding to let things happen.
So should I ;
1. turn the bedding every 2-3 days?
2. add fresh shavings to it once a week or so?
3. what else can i add to it to keep the balance optimal
I didn't want to clean out the coop every 2-3 days and put new shavings in which is why I opted for deep litter method.

 

[chickens really]

It doesn't smell like chickens, it smells like ammonia.
Also, by cleaning do you mean removing all chicken poop from the run? I am using the deep litter method to avoid having to scoop all the poop from the run (which is covered to keep the rain out). I am cleaning their hen house so there is no smell there.
I cleaned out 85% of the bedding out and threw it away and put new fresh bedding in (FINE pine shavings from Tractor Supply).

That's not working..Definitely not a deep litter practice and that can't be started in freezing temps..