The Poultry Keeper

EGirl · Joined: 01 Nov 2007 Posts: 1008 Location: Dublin, Ireland

Hi all, I noticed last night that the mucky bit of my run, where the girls patrol the fence, is pretty smelly at the moment. It gets a lot of traffic, poo and because its been so wet, rain.

I would prefer not to put down slabs as I like the natural look of the dirt and I do rake up poo, straw & leaf litter once or twice a week but wondered if there was anything I could put on the ground to rejuvinate it?

I am looking into some bokashi bran for the girls' feed. I don't know if it will be better or worse in dry weather, smell-wise?

Had thought about spraying a solution of Jeyes Fluid one night, but it's probably lethal to hens..... Rolling Eyes

Any advice?

vanessa · Joined: 24 Sep 2005 Posts: 1195 Location: Correze

Hard work, but could you dig out the top couple of inches of soil and replace with fresh?

Or put a layer of shingle on top?

CP · Posted: Thu Mar 27, 2008 11:50 am Post subject:

Isn't there something you can do with lime? Think we've had this sort of discussion before but can't remember what the outcome was. Confused

EGirl · Joined: 01 Nov 2007 Posts: 1008 Location: Dublin, Ireland

Yes, not sure what effect the lime would have on the chooks though. I was hoping someone might know of an organic solution to put down. I wonder could you spray Bokashi solution on it to break down the faeces and discourage decomposition? I know there's a thread on here about bokashi, might have a quick look.....

Auntie Noo · Joined: 30 Jan 2007 Posts: 496 Location: Guildford

I dig mine over once in a while and it seems fine. and they love digging for worms in the newly turned earth!!!

Dusty · Joined: 07 Jan 2008 Posts: 637 Location: St. Asaph

I've put down a thick layer of sharp sand which has stopped the problem with the mud as it compacts and gives a firm surface even when wet . The chooks like scratching in the sand also. Very Happy

Dopey · Posted: Thu Mar 27, 2008 8:26 pm Post subject:

Or turf

Chris Kurzfeld · Joined: 29 Oct 2007 Posts: 1230 Location: Carmarthenshire

I have the same problem and invested in a product called "Biosuper". I originally got it for putting down between layers of straw at lambing but you can use it for everything (almost!). I use it under shavings when i clean out nest boxes, under roosts and on the floors of the coops - it neutralisies the amonia in their poop. I asked the makers if i could use it for the run and he said it's brilliant for that and helps kill off any nasties, including coccidiosis., plus it's very safe to use around the chooks. I got mine, 15 kilo( I think) bags, from our local agriculteral place, not cheap but lasts for ages - on to my second lambing and I've still got half a bag. Try googling it (not good at posting sites - computer illiterate!). If you have a problem, I will try and find the phone number i was given.

Chris

Dusty · Joined: 07 Jan 2008 Posts: 637 Location: St. Asaph

Chris that sounds interesting i'll have a look Cool

Dopey · Posted: Fri Mar 28, 2008 3:35 pm Post subject:

The cheapest i could find, but i have seen the same weight for £35 too

http://www.farmchem.co.uk/biosuper-br25-kgs-359-p.asp

Chris Kurzfeld · Joined: 29 Oct 2007 Posts: 1230 Location: Carmarthenshire

Thats about what i paid a year ago (£20) - sounds expensive but after using it for a year everytime I clean the chooks out, using it to "sweeten" the run (100'x60') and for last years lambing, I think it works out quite cheap.

Chris

Dusty · Joined: 07 Jan 2008 Posts: 637 Location: St. Asaph

I have a 'animal and pet place' by me so i'll check it out there. They can be quite good for most stuff price wise.

Barny_Velder · Joined: 29 Dec 2007 Posts: 164 Location: North Wales Coast

Dusty, use the one by St Asaph roundabout, not the one by Abergele roundabout Wink

Feed prices about 25% cheaper

telster · Joined: 22 Jun 2006 Posts: 240 Location: merseyside

i just spent all weekend splitting my run up and have put turf down to solve the problem of sour ground . now i have to think which birds deserve it.

gypsyone · Joined: 12 Oct 2007 Posts: 15 Location: Devon

How big is your run you could section a piece off every month or so and put some grass seed down