Some things I am confused about...help. please?

[paganfish]

OK! I know this is probably going to be redundant but, and I apologize ahead of time, I don't mean it to be. So, here are my questions. (I have checked previous posts to see if the answers were on them and was unable to find them...is why I ask)

For the Apple Cider Vinegar in the water:

What is the desired solution? I have one gallon bins so how much ACV should I put in each? I change their water every 2 days or so (unless it freezes) and so do I put the ACV in it EVERY time I change the water? (Someone on here mentioned putting a clove of garlic in with the ACV...do you put a fresh clove every time you change the water? Or do you make a clove last a few days? If so...how many days? This may sound silly but...do you put the clove of garlic in WHOLE or do you chop it up? (Don't laugh please!)

I just don't want to over do either one...or NOT do enough. Ya know? (I just bought a huge bottle of ACV from Wal-Mart and plan on using it tomorrow)

For the DLM:

OK, I got the part where you turn it every few days so that it does not stick and the poop dries up and sprinkle DE on it every week or so (works for me) but, how do you TURN it? Do you think a rake will work? Like turning leaves with a rake sort of thing? I plan on trying out the DLM and cleaning the coops twice a year. Spring and Fall. Will this work OK?

Any help would be appreciated. Just want to do things right. LOL!

Thanks-

Pedro ~:-V

 

[picklespickles]

while we're answering questions, i've been wanting to ask: what is the stuff you sprinkle on the deep litter?

 

[babychickfarmer]

Well I don't know much about the whole water thing adn I have always been confused on the garlic thing as well. But as for turning the litter do it eithier eith a pitch fork or a potatoe fork (straight version of the pitchfork and not as sharp.) and for pickles. you sprinkle Diatomaceous Earth. make sure only food grade/poultry grade.

Hope I could help a little

 

[paganfish]

Quote:
I sprinkle Diatomaceous Earth. That's it! Am I suppose sprinkle anything else?

~:-V

 

[paganfish]

Quote:
Thanks! Yes, you've helped...

Yes, I sprinkle food based Di Earth (as I call it) and so far it's worked wonders. I found out about this just as my birds got lice...and every time I've checked them--NO LICE! I love it!!!

~:-V

PS Still curious about the water/vinegar formula thing...does anyone know it?

 

[picklespickles]

so, de is di...earth. okay. thanks.

 

[paganfish]

Quote:
Yup! Sorry...that's what I saw people call it here. I'm so not down with the lingo!

LOL!

 

[carugoman]

Diatomaceous Earth:Comprised of fossilized diatoms and sediments found deep in layers of strata of what was once ancient ocean floor. Diatoms are a microscopic form [<0.10mm] of 'krill'; albeit a separate phylum of algae/plant /animal.

 

[barg]

The other thing people sprinkle is Sweet PDZ, used to cut down on oder.

 

[ivan3]

Paganfish, are your waterers plastic or metal? If they are metal do not use vinegar in them (vinegar will leach `em destroying your waterers and deliver the birds a little too much metal in their diets). Use plastic waters for the vinegar.

Secondly, the ACV from Wallyworld (at least around here) is pasteurized (defeats the purpose entirely). Unpasteurized ACV is required:

http://www.bragg.com/products/applecidervinegar.html

I just add a couple teaspoons per half gallon wkly. (more during winter less during summer). I know there is a specific approved amount and someone will be along to post it.