Smelly Brooder

[KeriW]

We are new to raising chickens and have 29 month old RIRs in a brooder pen with shavings. We have been adding to the shavings once or twice a week and are now getting a strong smell from the brooder. Otherwise all is going very well.

Our feed stores here do not carry DE (only in a 200g container for $9!) as most people here suggest to use for odours. Our TSC carries sodium bicarbonate in large bags. Is that safe to use mixed in with the litter and will it have any effect on the smell?

Any advice would be helpful.

Thank you!

 

[Ridgerunner]

I'd clean out the old shavings and put in new. I use a different system so I don't have the experience, but I see many posts where people clean out the old shavings weekly. What is actually required would depend on how many chicks you have and how big your brooder is, but the smell is telling you something.

 

[Chicken Woman]

Quote:
If you can find a product called dry stall it works to absorb the order and dry up moisture in the shavings. It has DE in it as well.
It has been a life saver for me and my coop. Helps keep away flys as it takes odor away. It comes in a 50 pound bag for $12.00 ans goes along way. I would call around to any feed stores that handle horse or cattle feed. It comes in a couple of different names so you will want to explain what it is you want rather than asking for Brand name. Good luck

 

[nwgirl]

We have 5 - 5 week old chicks and just last week felt it was time to start cleaning the brooder 2x a week. I know its time to clean when there's a barn type smell coming from my sunroom.

Within a week we should have the coop finished and be moving the little chickie babies outside. I still call them my babies

How many RIRs do you have?

 

[nwgirl]

I just noticed this was your first post, so

 

[bigdogmom130]

I have 4 one month old chicks and I have to clean their brooder out every 2-3 days. Mine also gets that barn smell in it and plus, they are just messy little girls!