Used pine shavings help?!

[StarTan VA]

So I'm cleaning my coop out about once a week (8 birds). The summer heat and humidity after a week can make the coop a very foul smelling place to be. I disinfect with vinegar and place new pine shavings in. My question is, what does everybody do with the shavings. I have a lot of property and I've just been dumping the shavings in the woods. However, with the right wind, it makes being on the deck unpleasant as well. Should I take them deeper into the woods? Anybody burn used shavings? Bury them? Any ideas are appreciated!

 

[chiques chicks]

I have a compost pile. Add layers of green material like head coupon has between layers of pine shavings, great fertilizer in about a year. Shouldn't really smell.

I don't leave any water in my coop, it doesn't really smell that horrible if it isn't wet, IMO.

 

[StarTan VA]

Yeah I took their water out bc it spilled a little last time I'm sure that didn't help the smell. I'll try covering it with greens/leaves. Thank u!

I have a compost pile. Add layers of green material like head coupon has between layers of pine shavings, great fertilizer in about a year. Shouldn't really smell.

I don't leave any water in my coop, it doesn't really smell that horrible if it isn't wet, IMO.

 

[21hens-incharge]

I also have a compost bin. I do the same with layering. Sometimes I have a lot of shavings and not much green to add. It is not so complicated as it can be made out to be. I just go ahead and heap in the pine and poo and let nature take its course with it. It does not smell even standing right next to it.
I have also spread it around under some of my trees. No ill effects to the trees. (yes it was fresh from the coop when I did that) I did note not as many weeds there this year though.
I do till a bunch of partially composted shavings into the garden in the fall and let it over winter there. In the spring you would never know it went in and for the first time ever I had earthworms in the garden when I did that.

 

[StarTan VA]

Awesome. Great idea. I wonder where the smell is coming from then? Hmm

I also have a compost bin. I do the same with layering. Sometimes I have a lot of shavings and not much green to add. It is not so complicated as it can be made out to be. I just go ahead and heap in the pine and poo and let nature take its course with it. It does not smell even standing right next to it.
I have also spread it around under some of my trees. No ill effects to the trees. (yes it was fresh from the coop when I did that) I did note not as many weeds there this year though.
I do till a bunch of partially composted shavings into the garden in the fall and let it over winter there. In the spring you would never know it went in and for the first time ever I had earthworms in the garden when I did that.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Is it possible something died in the woods and has not been found yet? That stink can travel a long way.

Oh and you can burn the shavings. In fact if you get a bad mite infestation it is recommended that you burn the shavings.


One other ps... I have 43 chickens and clean the coop out about every 2 weeks.

 

[chiques chicks]

Burning shavings depends on location. I live in a very rural area, but any burning (open or barrel) is illegal if you have less than 10 acres. Rarely enforced, but not chancing it.

Besides, I can always use the fertilizer.

 

[eviemethugh]

Search this site for the deep litter method, I will share how we do it, but some use different regiments.
We have 9 birds in the coop we use deep litter in. We put about 6 inches of pine shaving in it twice a year when we clean out. Then another two times we add one bag on top of what is there. The chickens stir it around, but until they are used to having fun in it you might go turn it with a rake now and then. We don't touch ours except for the 4 times a year and there is a good earthy compost smell, and when I scoop it out it is a wonderful dark fine dirt. Very few recognize able shavings left. No smell and no flies unless they drag veggies in there and leave them or spill water or something besides poop.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Burning shavings depends on location. I live in a very rural area, but any burning (open or barrel) is illegal if you have less than 10 acres. Rarely enforced, but not chancing it.

Besides, I can always use the fertilizer.

I forgot most of the country is under one ban or another. I am in town so burning is also banned. I compost and enjoy better flowers and veggies for it.

Thanks for the reminder about bans.

 

[chiques chicks]

I forgot most of the country is under one ban or another. I am in town so burning is also banned. I compost and enjoy better flowers and veggies for it.

Thanks for the reminder about bans.

Is actually stupid epa regulations concerning how many people live in a township. We have the largest township and are a couple hundred over the threshold that has nothing to do with people/ square mile, just a flat number.
Don't get me started . Of course two sides of my property are bounded by a farm that is exempt, so if I throw my stuff over the fence and toss a match.....

But I need the fertilizer. Between my rabbits and chickens, I get more than enough. My neighborhood (3 houses on 18 acres) is basically chemical free (we still use roundup on invasives and poison ivy), so we use it all. We don't claim to be organic, though.