Stinky Bedding

[JacobMaxwell]

Ever since yesterday the hen house has had a stench. The shavings look very fresh and I'm using the deep litter method. I stir the bedding daily and usually find almost no pooh. The current shavings are about 5" deep and haven't even been in for two weeks. Any ideas are appreciated.

 

[goldfinches]

I read recently that starting fresh bedding in the winter isn't a good idea because it can't heat up sufficiently to begin the composting process.

Another thought, has it rained recently? When mine gets wet I have to stir it a lot to dry it. It smells like ammonia until I do.

 

[JackE]

How many chickens, and how big is the space they are in? If that is fine, not over crowded, then it sounds like you need more fresh air/ventilation.
Jack

 

[JacobMaxwell]

How many chickens, and how big is the space they are in? If that is fine, not over crowded, then it sounds like you need more fresh air/ventilation.
Jack

There are six hens in a 4X9 chicken tractor with a 4X4 run. They have lots of ventilation unless I have to close them in due to bad weather. They have been closed in for a while now, so I guess I'll open another vent.

 

[donrae]

You're pushing it on space, less than ten feet per bird total. If it stinks, you need to open things up! Those birds need fresh air a lot more than they need to be warm.

 

[JacobMaxwell]

You're pushing it on space, less than ten feet per bird total. If it stinks, you need to open things up! Those birds need fresh air a lot more than they need to be warm.

I always let them into the run every day and usually give them the option to free range, but lately they just stay in the coop when I open it up. They seem to hate the snow.