greeneyesgreedy Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 Dear all. Girls arrived on Sunday, and were promptly dispatched into new home for the night. All went well. Have poo-picked religiously every evening whenthe four ladies go to bed, but its nearly impossible to get it all up. So. tonight, after the poor soaked chooks took themselves up the ladder, I went in and did my best, but to be honest, even afeter picking up the biggest bits of poo, I feel that the entire run is now a soggy, muddy, poo-ey piddley mess. So here are my questions: How can their eggs be 'clean' if they are foraging all day on pooed on grass/soil? ie are they safe to eat? If I put wood chip down in the run (12 foot by 3ft), might that help? Do I Need to cover over the run too? I'd be grateful for any repies/suggestions. Am still finding my way here.xxxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clur Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 I've covered my run with some hard plastic sheeting, and others have use tarpaulin; clear corrugated plastic. shower curtains and all sorts so it's worth looking at as it does make a difference. My run is on hard-standing with about 3-4 inches of bark and auboise (horse-bedding) which helps soak up the damp and it's pretty easy to poo pick. I tend to hose down the run each week and replace the bark every 6 weeks or so, but I am guessing this is a little easier due to it being on the patio. Hope this helps! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 A cover does make a massive difference Woodchips (not bark) are good for ground cover if your run has a roof or not, horsey beddings are good too but you def need a cover on the run Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greeneyesgreedy Posted September 2, 2009 Author Share Posted September 2, 2009 and the egg safety thing??? or am I being paranoid? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 The eggs won't be dangerous don't worry If it still worries you a powder disinfectant like Stalosan F sprinkled on the ground will kill lots of nasties Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greeneyesgreedy Posted September 2, 2009 Author Share Posted September 2, 2009 Thanks. seems like a stupid question, but was starting to bug me... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 Its natural to worry when they first arrive wait till they find and dismantle a frog or mouse in front of you thats when you start asking the mother in law if she wants any eggs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saronne Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 If my eggs are dirty, I gently rinse the worst of it off with luke-warm water whilst rubbing the dirt off with my fingers. No upset tummies so far. A covered run will certainly help keep eggs clean. Saronne x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greeneyesgreedy Posted September 2, 2009 Author Share Posted September 2, 2009 Yes indeed!! thanks x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 Mine have a deal going on with the cat at the moment, he kills them mice, voles etc and they eat them. Hasn't put me off the eggs though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greeneyesgreedy Posted September 2, 2009 Author Share Posted September 2, 2009 lol x thanks!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
