what is the key to a less smellier coop

[sondra]

My chicken coop just smells something awful. I know a lot of it is because of the rain we have been getting, so I am working on that problem. But even before the rains, if I didn't clean it out everyday, then the smell was horrific. I have heard people say they only clean their coop once a year. Is that even possible? Also what is lime and will that help? Any advice will be much appreciated!

 

[Emzyyy]

I have issues with a muddy coop when it rains which makes it terrible smelling Im going to cover the run with sand.

 

[chickendude]

What are you using as litter? Is the water entering the coop? Is it a dirt floor or wood?

 

[cassie]

I just add shavings to the coop when necessary. Also a couple handfulls of hen scratch thrown on the bedding every day causes the chickens to scratch and keep things nicely stirred up. Bad smells are usually caused by damp bedding and a lack of ventilation.

 

[sondra]

The water was running into the coop but I think I have that problem solved. The floor is a dirt floor. I am using straw in the nest box and straw under the roost.

 

[spydertoys]

Straw is the smelliest thing you can use..it holds the moisture from the droppings. Pine shaving are by far cleaner and drier. You only have to rake it around periodically, and clean under perch poles. Then a complete change a couple times per year and your all set. Add a bit of clean shavings every now and then.

 

[chickendude]

To add to what spydertoys said...You must keep it dry and well ventilated.

 

[CityChook]

Water running into the coop = bad.

I am using pine shavings (but over a painted plywood floor). They are about 5 inches deep. I cleaned out the coop in April and haven't done anything more since then other than toss it once a week. Absolutely no smell. I wonder if the dirt is holding lots of moisture from the rain? Dampness causes odor. You need to figure out a way to keep it dry inside. And check your ventilation. You need air exchange to help keep it dry.

 

[sondra]

Thank you for the advice. I will definitely go buy some pine shavings.

 

[BBK]

I have to say we bought that Stall Dry.... and it woked wonders too. made everything smell good. we just used it in our bunny stall and like you...we've have tons of rain and boy did it smell and badly i might add... not anymore!

our Bun Stall doesn't have a roof... and....

melinda