patsylabrador Posted January 4, 2010 Share Posted January 4, 2010 Hello, I can't find answers to these although I've read them before. Are red mites etc a problem in the winter? I haven't changed their bedding as often recently as the last time they all stood on it while I pulled it out and got quite cross. I thought as long as it seems clean and dry it would be ok, but I worry about little insects enjoying the warm conditions too. Also I saw garden lime is good for smelly runs - can I buy this in a garden centre and would you use it to prevent smells as their run is ok at the moment. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted January 4, 2010 Share Posted January 4, 2010 red mites are less of a problem during the winter but they can still be about so still be vigilent, I dont clean my chooks out as much during the winter either wlthough I do empty poo trays more often and lift roosting bars etc looking for mites at least twice a week but a full wash down is not always practical especially in wooden houses Garden lime can be bought from garden centres, get the powdered stuff rather than the granules if you can as the chooks seem to like eating the granules, I dont think its bad for them but best to eliminate it by buying powder if you can - make sure you dont get builders lime as thats really bad stuff Lime will sweeten the soil but not neutralise odours, a powder disinfactant like Stalosan F is ideal for that, use in conjunction with the lime for best of both worlds Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted January 4, 2010 Share Posted January 4, 2010 Can't really add to the great advice given by Tasha. Red mite are more of a pest in the warm weather (as are the flies ) so I am enjoying this cold snap as it means their run bedding stays nice and dry and there is no smell! We use Stalosan F in the run and find it very good - the tub goes a long way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
