the smell!?! Any tips? Give them a bath?

[yotetrapper]

7 times a DAY changing pine shavings? Ya'll are nuts, lol. (i mean that in a nice way) It takes me 7 WEEKS to change my shavings 7 times lol.

 

[lfreem2]

It's weird, as I've read constantly about these smells--but I've had my 17 chicks nearly 3 1/2 weeks and I smell nothing. I have not changed, nor added shavings to the brooder; and I have not picked up and removed any poop. I do continually mix it up, and the chicks do the same by kicking things around. I do have them in a three season porch, and perhaps that has been a reason? I have not used DE not any other additive.

Anyone else smell nothing?

 

[allpeepedout]

Quote:
I agree with this and same advice of another poster, but I switched from paper towels to free newspaper, placed flat, after the first week or two. They get a complete bedding change every 24 hours, plus fresh layers on top throughout the day. Quick and easy to roll up and dispense with entire mess, even now that they tear it up a bit. Now 6 weeks old, still in house, not stinky, but only 7 chicks. Having bigger brooder helps, too. No runny poo, few treats.

 

[gryeyes]

Deep litter, deep litter, deep litter. Put shavings and DE in, just add more shavings every couple of days. Remove damp shavings around the waterer - THAT is what is smelling - it mades the feed they've scattered wet, and that stuff is awful. I don't change out the whole thing until they are done brooding!

If you notice a particularly wet poop, drop a handful of shavings onto it. Otherwise, just add more shavings. The bedding will get deeper and deeper, but it won't smell.

 

[CathyM]

Quote:
I barely smell anything (although right now it's because of a headcold), and when I do, it's vaguely woody/musty... and, I have to say... ahem... a lot nicer smelling than my own f*rts!

I started out with a layer of play sand, and I'm finding it's keeping things much drier this year than last (when I only used shavings)

 

[dbounds10]

My girls are 4 weeks old today and I change the brooder once a week and they do not smell at all. I dont know what I am doing right but no smell. If I notice a chick with poo stuck to feet I pull them out and wash feet with an old toothbrush and some mild soap but that is usually only with the brahmas (feather feet).

I only use pine shavings but I have it about 3 inches deep, maybe more. If it looks really poopy in there I will scrape out the top layer and put more in. I am glad my girls dont stink. I hold them all every day. I have gone through about a gallon of purel thought

 

[greytmommy]

wow! Thanks for all the GREAT tips!

Where can I buy food grade DE?? I will do that, and I will do the deeper litter method. I would LURVE to not be changing the shavings on a daily basis!

 

[crazygoatlady915]

Quote:
Ummmmm, won't the high silica content hurt the chickies? Or me?!

 

[SIMPleChick]

Quote:
I do the same thing! And on the runny, WAY smelly ones I cover with a piece of paper towel or pick it up so they don't step in it. Half of the brooder has newspaper that I change daily. If they DO step in the poo, I wash their feet off in the sink, they seem to like the warm water and a little foot rub! LOL! I have pampered chicks!

 

[RGWright]

You may need to get them a bigger brooder. They should have plenty of room to go around, and do their deeds while scratching most of it up for you. Deep litter is a good method, but you need the space for them to help you out. Otherwise, you're going to be the only one working. After all, chickens don't have to live for free, they can help you work.