What to do in the wet weather?

[Lady of McCamley]

This is my concern as well and was getting ready to mention it.... Just in case!

that would be awful...fortunately I've never had an issue with mold or aspergillus coming in. The tree companies and the power company come the same day they trim, so what you get has been very fresh...cut the day of. And they dump the whole load, so stuff isn't sitting in their trucks (they don't want to take it back to base).

I would think the mold would come from trimmings having sat in the truck bin or on the ground somewhere for awhile.

Perhaps you can ask how fresh the trimmings are?

LofMc

 

[EggSighted4Life]

that would be awful...fortunately I've never had an issue with mold or aspergillus coming in. The tree companies and the power company come the same day they trim, so what you get has been very fresh...cut the day of. And they dump the whole load, so stuff isn't sitting in their trucks (they don't want to take it back to base).

I would think the mold would come from trimmings having sat in the truck bin or on the ground somewhere for awhile.

Perhaps you can ask how fresh the trimmings are?

LofMc

The trimming were fresh, setting in a pile at the guys house, not spread out (unsure how long or fresh still). And some decompostition had taken place in the center of the pile. I believe they had recent rain and it was warm and humid. Possibly the perfect storm, but not worth the risk to me. A link to the thread, if you're interested...

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1129854/dying-chickens

So maybe spread them out and let them dry well before piling in the run...

Note, there are many different types or strains of aspergillius, some are used as a probiotic (or something like that) in some chicken feeds.

 

[Lady of McCamley]

The trimming were fresh, setting in a pile at the guys house, not spread out (unsure how long or fresh still). And some decompostition had taken place in the center of the pile. I believe they had recent rain and it was warm and humid. Possibly the perfect storm, but not worth the risk to me. A link to the thread, if you're interested...

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1129854/dying-chickens

So maybe spread them out and let them dry well before piling in the run...

Note, there are many different types or strains of aspergillius, some are used as a probiotic (or something like that) in some chicken feeds.

Well...we get them fresh and my husband spreads within the week (as it blocks the driveway), so maybe that's why we haven't had problems.

We can set the day for delivery so my husband can take care of it in a timely manner...that probably helps.

Totally can see fresh cutting sitting in a pile, rain, warm, humid...yup, that could do it.

We don't get warm humid a lot here either....we get cool rainy humid...that probably slows the process down too.

Always assess your particular situation as what works for one won't be a good idea for another.

LofMc

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Yep, it's 100% true that what works for one at one location may not work for another.

Things were so much different when I lived in the irrigated desert that is southern Ca.
I am at the CA/OR border on the coast now. So we don't get much warmth, but plenty of rain and humidity (probably almost the same conditions as you). Which is one reason I didn't think deep litter would work for me because of how fast everything molds. I haven't had a chance to let all the info from this thread sink in yet... but I will be reading back through because I definitely have a few adaptations to make to the covered area of my run... the recent rash of heavy rain for days on end let me know. It's been so dry since I moved up here two years ago, it's good to finally see some REAL rain!

That guys issue might also have been from a very specific type of tree.

I only mentioned to share info in case it was of concern. Because knowledge is power.

( I do understand different circumstances though)

 

[aart]

Quote: I do think Terry's situation was a fluke of sorts...yes, 'a perfect storm'....that particular strain was in high concentration on/around the trees cut and the release of moisture from chipping, heat, piling just caused a bloom of that organism that his birds were unfortunate to be exposed to. It certainly gives you pause tho...makes you wonder how many fatal 'respiratory issues' could be have been caused by something similar. The fact that he was able to have it analyzed is something not many folks have access to.

 

[Folly's place]

I use free chips from tree trimmers in my garden and around trees every year, and they mold, and generally rot over time. The chickens root around in them for bugs, but outside, not in concentrations in the coop. That's where I use bagged shavings, and ventilation, and keep mold at bay. It's humid here in southern Michigan, and coop ventilation is really important everywhere anyway. I do check around the waterers, and make sure there's not a problem there. Wearing a face mask in the coop, especially when cleaning it out, is VERY important! Mary

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I use free chips from tree trimmers in my garden and around trees every year, and they mold, and generally rot over time. The chickens root around in them for bugs, but outside, not in concentrations in the coop. That's where I use bagged shavings, and ventilation, and keep mold at bay. It's humid here in southern Michigan, and coop ventilation is really important everywhere anyway. I do check around the waterers, and make sure there's not a problem there. Wearing a face mask in the coop, especially when cleaning it out, is VERY important! Mary

I am still deciding on face mask type... Need one for coop cleaning and meal worm sifting!

My hubby has one that has two filters, similar to military style like a gas mask. And I know they have those standard dust mask. And then a smaller micron but still medical type looking. For me comfort is important as I have to wear often and for periods of time up to an hour, and I hate to breath hot air.

What type do you use? And where or how do you store it so it doesn't get build up from just sitting around? Or feel weird putting it on knowing there is poo dust built up on the outside?

 

[Folly's place]

I use the disposable N95 dust masks, available in the paint department at the big box stores, as a one use item. It's the minimum for safety, and less obnoxious for me to wear than the others. There are certainly more aggressive choices, and comfort is an issue. If it's not worn because it makes you crazy, it's not helpful! Try several and see what works for you. Mary

 

[Lady of McCamley]

I use free chips from tree trimmers in my garden and around trees every year, and they mold, and generally rot over time. The chickens root around in them for bugs, but outside, not in concentrations in the coop. That's where I use bagged shavings, and ventilation, and keep mold at bay. It's humid here in southern Michigan, and coop ventilation is really important everywhere anyway. I do check around the waterers, and make sure there's not a problem there. Wearing a face mask in the coop, especially when cleaning it out, is VERY important! Mary

and there's a major difference for me as well. I never use the tree trimmings in the coop (too coarse and wet). I only use the dry bagged pine shavings in the coops and change when it's dirty to prevent molding.

LofMc

 

[junkman56]

and there's a major difference for me as well. I never use the tree trimmings in the coop (too coarse and wet). I only use the dry bagged pine shavings in the coops and change when it's dirty to prevent molding.

LofMc

I use the bagged pine shavings, maple leaves and white pine needles from our property inside the coop, I fluff the bedding up every morning when I go out to clean the poop hammock off. so far so good (no smell) I replace the bedding in the coop every couple weeks and toss it in the run