Smell problem

[Newseramabreeder]

The size of the coop is important but there is a lot more to consider. I prefer a wooden coop with a roost and lots of ventilation. This certainly better than a wireframe cage for the nightly hours. During the day they need space to walk around and scratch. Take a sand bath …

Chickens that are kept in a poor situation often get stressed and sick. I do hope to you see you again here, to help and give more advice for happy chickens.

Yes, please give us some more information and pictures of you’re setup , the bedding, ventilation, you’re climate and the feed you give you’re Serama’s.

I have a old storage building and I have built a large cage but I need more any suggestions?

 

[U_Stormcrow]

What would you put them in when you have very limited space?

I would not. Many resources can be replaced, at least in part, with alternative manage message. Shortchanging space however is bad for all involved. I would not raise birds in such circumstances.

 

[sixlittlechickens]

They need a real set up, or you may end up with more issues than smell (behavior and medical). It sounds like you have good intentions, but they do need more space. There are lots of good ideas on BYC, you can check out some of the coop articles too.

 

[STACEYH]

I know it is hard but if you truly can not support the needs of your animals,then you need to not have them. Just because we want something doesn't mean we get it no matter how much suffering we put them through. They can not speak you have to see they aren't happy. I'm so sorry.

 

[linguini]

Chickens, even tiny bantams, are not intended to live in tiny cages.

If your options are limited for housing, hope you do let them out during the day!
50% of the poops are generated during the night. For now, before you can arrange for better housing for them, I'd

1. put the cage on cinder blocks on both ends, so you have a floor below the bottom of the cage,
2. make low roosting bars for them in the cage so they don't stand on the bottom wire
3. put a board on the floor under the cage - so you can clean the poops daily.

And let them out roaming during the day!

 

[littlecoopnextdoor]

I hope these birds have access to more space in the day time. Right now, they look like they are confined to factory-farm style cages with little to no light or dustbaths.

Here are things you should remember:

The Five Freedoms of Hens

1. Freedom From Hunger And Thirst
   by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigour;
2. Freedom From Discomfort by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area;
3. Freedom From Pain, Injury Or Disease
   by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment;
4. Freedom To Express Normal Behaviour by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animals’ own kind;
5. Freedom From Fear And Distress by ensuring conditions and treatment to avoid mental suffering.

The Three Essentials of Stockmanship are:

1. Knowledge Of Animal Husbandry
   Sound knowledge of the biology and husbandry of farm animals, including how their needs may be best provided for in all circumstances.
2. Skills In Animal Husbandry
   Demonstrable skills in observation, handling, care and treatment of animals, and problem detection and resolution.
3. Personal Qualities
   Affinity and empathy with animals, dedication and patience.

 

[Newseramabreeder]

Ok so I’ve built new cages that are really big

 

[STACEYH]

Ok so I’ve built new cages that are really big

This is some what better but I think .....

I would not. Many resources can be replaced, at least in part, with alternative manage message. Shortchanging space however is bad for all involved. I would not raise birds in such circumstances.

You are young and seem to not understand things. If you are so limited with resources,then you don't do it. You wait and do it when you can afford all resources this includes the space needed to house and exercise the animal you want. If you can't give them what they need they suffer. You seem to be saying... You don't care about their true needs as long as you get to have what you want.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

This is some what better but I think .....

You are young and seem to not understand things. If you are so limited with resources,then you don't do it. You wait and do it when you can afford all resources this includes the space needed to house and exercise the animal you want. If you can't give them what they need they suffer. You seem to be saying... You don't care about their true needs as long as you get to have what you want.

Stacey, did you mean to reply to me?

I was the one answerign that I wouldn't raise birds in those conditions, because there's really no good substitute for space though increased management can mitigate, in part. Me being the guy with 30 acres, 70 birds, and a 5 acre +/- area reserved to their care.

Also, I'm not young.

 

[NatJ]

Stacey, did you mean to reply to me?

I thought Stacey was agreeing with your post, by quoting it and then elaborating on the same topic