cleaning house

[CountryFayre]

I use poultryshield as this is both a disinfectant and works against Red mite. When this is dry I then put a sprinkling of Diatom down on the floor, nestboxes and perch holders. This then sits in wait for any horrible crawlies that come along later. Works very well in controlling red mite and smells clean.

In between the big cleans, I use stalosan on the floor. This is a dry powder disinfectant which helps to absorb moisture and smells.

[Flummery]

I've heard of Stalosan (is it known as Stalosan F?) and it's on my hit list (with some more obvious things - like grit!) for our next day out in the country - I'm making note of farming/horsey places that we can drop in at for supplies whenever we're out jaunting. Got a month yet before I panic though!

[frias]

I scrub out with Virkons and once dry put red mite powder in all the nooks and crannies. I also use Stalosan F in the run to try to keep things dry and get rid of smells. (It's very heavy and postage costs a bomb so if you can find a local supplier that's great.) I would like to get some Diatoms as it's the only thing I haven't tried to keep worms at bay. (an ongoing problem) looking for a local supplier as this is also very expensive on postage.

[Eco-Chic]

How long do you keep your coop poop before using it on the garden/Lottie?

[MaureenHall]

I think it's supposed to be composted for about a year, though I have used it fairly fresh in bean trenches quite successfully and it does make a good compost accelerator.

[Eco-Chic]

Thanks Maureen.

[Suechooks]

How long do you keep your coop poop before using it on the garden/Lottie?

It's does need composting but I find it also needs turning quite often as the wood shavings don't break down properly for ages. Mine is heavily laced with wood shavings as I take it out each morning.

[Eco-Chic]

Hi Sue, a freecycler is supplying me with her coop poop. She uses some sort of black organic material which breaks down (I can't remember the name). I need to empty out my compost bins and start anew, so I'll use the coop poop in layers to help it break down quicker.

[HayleyB]

I use ***** powder, had a real clean out last week with new bedding but I poop scoop every day and clear the newspaper under the roost daily.

[pdblake]

I've not had a clean out yet but each night, before they go to bed, I put sheets of newspaper under the perch and replace them each night. It keeps the place pretty clean. Goes straight to compost too and takes all of a minute

I was going to just brush the place out and change the bedding once every couple of weeks or so and maybe give it a scrub with some warm, soapy water every now and then and leave it to dry.

[bluemoon]

I was just going to use Ecover multipurpose in very hot water and give everything a really good scrub - bought some tiny little scrubbing brushes specially to get in all the nooks and crannys. Could red-mite get a hold if it was cleaned like that weekly? I have to admit to being a little paranoid about the dreaded mite too, but didn't like the idea of strong products near my chooks if it wasn't necessary.

[Suechooks]

I spray mine with Poultry Shield as well as using it to clean. I use a garden sprayer and do under the perches most days and the rest about every 2 weeks.

[Snadger]

Mine had a lot of dust covered cobwebs in the eaves which i disposed of at the weekend.
Afterwards I got to thinking................. cobwebs are made by spiders,................ spiders trap and eat lice and fleas so would i be better off leaving them?

[Suechooks]

Mine had a lot of dust covered cobwebs in the eaves which i disposed of at the weekend.
Afterwards I got to thinking................. cobwebs are made by spiders,................ spiders trap and eat lice and fleas so would i be better off leaving them?

I've resisted the temptation to get rid of cobwebs for that reason even though I'm NOT fond of spiders (have goose pimples just typing this!)