Poop boards and PDZ/sand

[Sefirothe]

I don't think I've seen this question asked/answered in my roaming of the forums.

Those with poop boards with PDZ and/or sand, does anyone strip the old PDZ/sand at some point and replace with new/fresh material?

I notice as I'm scooping poop there are small particles of poop that fall thru my cat litter scoop and stay behind.

Nothing smells but I'm starting to wonder if I should include a poop board strip annually in my cleaning rotation. Or just get a scoop with smaller holes.

 

[Debbie292d]

I'd find a scoop with smaller holes as that's the easiest fix.

Check out this one. Only $4.

We actually only sprinkle a little bit on the nest boxes where they sleep (silkies), and I scrape it once a week with a 5" metal sheetrock putty knife.

 

[ChickyCh00k]

I don't think I've seen this question asked/answered in my roaming of the forums.

Those with poop boards with PDZ and/or sand, does anyone strip the old PDZ/sand at some point and replace with new/fresh material?

I notice as I'm scooping poop there are small particles of poop that fall thru my cat litter scoop and stay behind.

Nothing smells but I'm starting to wonder if I should include a poop board strip annually in my cleaning rotation. Or just get a scoop with smaller holes.

I replace the poop board substrate every few months (and that's just a personal preference). I think you could get away with once per year - it would just depend on if it starts to get stinky.

I agree with Debbie that a different scooper would probably help with the bits of poo falling through.

 

[Debbie292d]

I replace the poop board substrate every few months (and that's just a personal preference). I think you could get away with once per year - it would just depend on if it starts to get stinky.

I agree with Debbie that a different scooper would probably help with the bits of poo falling through.

Once per year is how often we change the horse bedding pellets on the floor. I love no maintenance!

 

[ChickyCh00k]

Once per year is how often we change the horse bedding pellets on the floor. I love no maintenance!

The simpler the better!

 

[DobieLover]

does anyone strip the old PDZ/sand at some point and replace with new/fresh material?

Never in the 5.5 years I've used poop boards have I replaced the litter. I do have 2 scoops I clean them with, a daily coarse one and an occasionally used fine mesh one that gets the smaller poopicles out.

 

[Sally PB]

I use a cheapo plastic kitty litter scoop and a wide scraper/sheetrock mudding tool (whatever it's called) to scrape/scoop the poop out of the PDZ on the poop board. Some of the PDZ sticks to the poop and goes in the bucket, so I need to replenish it on occasion (like today). I've never needed to replace the tray.

I add to the shavings in the coop as they break down and aren't as fluffy. I usually toss them all into the run once a year and put in fresh. A bale of shavings is about $8-9, so I figure that's cheap enough to do.

Unless someone has just dropped a cecal poop or I have the poop bucket open, the coop and run don't smell. Even now in the hot days of summer.

 

[aart]

I've never replaced it either, just need to add some once in a while.
The PDZ(gave up on any sand) is only ~1/4" deep and I sift is all every day.

Here's some posts about it, they're kind of old, but changes are noted.
...and the threads these posts are in has a ton of examples of poop boards.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...s-poop-pictures.621363/page-111#post-13179595
Updates:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...s-poop-pictures.621363/page-178#post-18966048

This link may have changed, so search for "mesh organizer":
https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/squared-away-mesh-drawer-organizer/5598035?keyword=mesh-organizer-tray

 

[burt4750]

I use the strainer/skimmer I purchased from Amazon. It has a 36" long handle so very little stooping. I'm looking at purchasing a square one as well. I use stall dry on the floor of my coop. I did use a poop board but it is easier to clean the floor with this strainer/skimmer. Very efficent.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Here's what I use to clean my poop trays (which contain both a coarse sand and PDZ). I use the blue plastic scoop to scrape the poop into the metal scoop. I have not changed out the sand since I put it in (over a year?), but I do add sand/PDZ from time to time, as needed.