Smelly run

[akdunn]

So we have 4 chickens and I have noticed that our run is starting to smell. I wasn’t sure if there is something that we could do, we don’t have any bedding in it, and I try to pick up the poop sometimes. Is there anything that we could do? Thanks!
I have included a pic of our run and coop.
also, there was grass in that pic but now it’s just dirt and the chickens are basically double the size now.

 

[akdunn]

Here’s the picture!

 

[Sixandahalfacres]

We had a ton of rain this year and finally covered the run with metal roofing. It’s nice and dry now and not smelly.

 

[black_cat]

I have four chickens as well. Here's what I do when it gets smelly:
-turn all the dirt
-add pine shavings
-add fresh dirt
-add sand
-mix together
this helps keep it smelling fine. You could also toss in some sweet pzd, which is a stall freshener for horses that is chicken safe. It absorbs odors very well.

 

[Lydia Suzanne]

I put herbs in the run and deodorizer. Nice run!!

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome!
It would help to have your approximate location on your profile, for best advice.
Are there issues with drainage after rains? That has to be fixed.
Then, bedding is necessary in the run, not just dirt. Shavings, wood chips (not black walnut), plant materials, dried leaves, all good.
Roofing is really nice! In snow country, your birds will decline to go out of their coop unless you shovel their run, and this gets old fast! Roofing does need good framing, and snow load is a big issue there.
Mary

 

[akdunn]

Ok, so right now it rains like 4/7 days a week and we just have hardware cloth on top. I will look into maybe putting a roof on, or maybe even a tarp. Thanks!

 

[Folly's place]

If you want to tarp it, you will need much better framing.
Mary

 

[Sixandahalfacres]

I tried tarping and It just puddles and pools on top of the tarp with a lot of weight. It didn’t really work great.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Bare dirt is a breeding ground for bad bacteria.

Add in different types of mulch with different particle sizes so it doesn't pack down tight, including large chunk bark.. aiming to make it like the forest floor.. cushioned on top and lots of microbial life invited to the party to balance things out.. including bugs to forage for.

Some folks go all in with deep litter.. which is not exactly what I'm suggesting..

But even with a covered run.. here in the PNW.. every time it rained the edges of the run would stink to high heaven.. when it was just dirt. Since making the change.. no smell, even when it rains. Sand.. works for crud.. in a humid/moist environment like mine.

Good luck, nobody likes funky smells!