What can I put in the coop to help the smell ??

[swtangel321]

This might be in the wrong place, not sure where it would fit better (never had that problem before)

If it is mod please move to where you think it might work better !!


Question: Is there anything I can put in the coop to help the anmonia (sp?) smell ? Baking soda ? The stuff you put in kitty litter boxes ?

I have started to notice one side of my coop is STINKY (about 25-30 chickens) I dont want to be cleaning it everday but also dont want to dump clean shavings since the smell will still be there, so I was thinking I would clean under the perches (where they poop and the smell comes from) and then add new shavings, hoping there is something safe I can sprinkle in with them to help !! Thanks !!

 

[mtnhomechick]

I use Stall Dry.

 

[swtangel321]

Quote:
That I would get in the horse section ?? Its safe and helps the anmonia smell ??

 

[heyeddah]

search for the topic of deep litter method and food grade de. It is a drying agent. Nothing beats cleaning up the poop, but I understand why we can't get to it each day. Good ventilation seems to help too.
After a while I guess you just get used to it.

 

[swtangel321]

Quote:
Will do, does DE help with smell ? I'm not to worried about me having to smell it, just wouldnt imagine it would be good for the birds to !!

 

[mtnhomechick]

Quote:
That I would get in the horse section ?? Its safe and helps the anmonia smell ??

I got mine at the local farm store. I can't remember what section but I think it's the same as DE which I can't find here. Ventilation is important too. We have two windows in the coop and two vents on the roof.

I believe the stall dry also helps with mites and lice. I really like it.

 

[Marlinchaser]

Stall dry or DE would be my thought too, but heres another:


Put a skunk in there, once it leaves the chicken poo smell will seem trivial in comparrison.

 

[Jenski]

Excess ammonia in a chicken house can cause blindness in chickens (although the blindness can often go away after the ammonia is cleared out). I keep my coop scooped daily to reduce the funk. I am interested to hear if that Stall Dry gets rid of the ammonia smell, do please keep us posted if you try it.

Good luck!

 

[mtnhomechick]

Quote:
I have never had the ammonia smell. I clean my coop about once a month. I add straw and pine shavings weekly though. I clean the nesting boxes weekly. I put stall dry in the boxes, just a small amount and on the coop floor and in the run. I also use straw in the run.

 

[Chickenaddict]

Quote:
Will do, does DE help with smell ? I'm not to worried about me having to smell it, just wouldnt imagine it would be good for the birds to !!

DE is wonderful for the smell, i use it and notice a huge difference between now and before i discovered it. If you can't find it around your area you can order it online but its super expensive. Before i found a place here that carries it i bought a 2 lb bag for $26!!!! including shipping and it sure didn't last long