stinky coop

[dixiechick]

We have never had a problem with a smelly coop, but since TS Fay, we've had soggy, sour grounds...and the coops REALLY STINK!!! I thought I read something about a decomposer? or something?

just when my birds returned to the coops a full week after Fay, we got a freak toad-strangling rain (3" in an hour) and we're back to stinky, soggy coops AGAIN!

 

[keljonma]

Are you talking the run area or the hen house area?
For the hen house: If the bedding is damp, you'll have to remove it; it is not good for the chickens. After you clean it out and put new bedding in, you can put some Sweet PDZ or lime in with the bedding.

For the run area: Use sand or gravel to fill in any low spots where water gathers.

We spray a home made anti-viral eucalyptus spray in the hen house when the weather is damp. It is 30 drops eucalyptus essential oil mixed with 4 ounces distilled water and put into a spray bottle. Shake well before using. Eucalyptus oil kills airborne viruses.

We haven't had the problem you're having. I'm hoping someone else will have some great tips for you. Good luck!

 

[dixiechick]

Bedding areas are high and dry...the runs are low and soggy. I'm letting them roost in there tonight (because they are dry) but will HAVE to let them free-range tomorrow....but ewwwwww the stink is awful!

 

[cmom]

Quote:
Dixiechick, where do you live? I'm from North Central Florida too.

 

[kinnip]

I feel your pain, except mine is my goat pens. I don't know what to do aside from EM-1 and lime. Once that smell gets in the soil, you can't scrape it out. The problem with the EM-1 is that it takes awhile to make an impact. The lime is more immediate, but not at all long lasting, which leaves me with a two week gap of stink. I wish you the best. Batten down those hatches and have a stiff drink, cause this isn't going away soon.

 

[DawnSuiter]

Quote:

OH NO!!! The smell was awful, I already had sand down before the muck started... it's drying now and smelling better, but OMG

it was SO horrible! And to think it might NEVER GO AWAY COMPLETELY? I guess I should rething allowing them access to the ground!

 

[dixiechick]

FINALLY!!! It cost me $100 but....WHEW...so much better.

I took Oldtimegator's advice and put down weed blocker and play sand.

...it was so sweet watching our 4-week-old frizzle chicks dust bathe for the first time!!! All you could see were little heads sticking out of the sand!!!