My eco solution to rat problems

[sezra]

I have had my chickens for 2 weeks now. My set up is a Eglu Go with a walk in run about 9m square. I have newspaper in the eglu tray and change and clean this regularly but I put down a whole bale of Aubiose in their run so that the ground wouldn't turn to a muddy mess. I was wondering if this is the right thing to do with the Aubiose and how often should I change it and put down fresh? Thank you!

[Ain't Nobody Here]

Yup, that sounds about right . I change mine every 6-8 weeks (less in summer when it's dry). I remove the top few inches (to compost or flowerbeds), sprinkle a bit of Stalosan F down and put a new layer down .

[sezra]

Yup, that sounds about right . I change mine every 6-8 weeks

 

That sounds good. What about poo picking? Do you ever pick the worst out? I keep worrying about flies!

Although I have found that it seems to get trodden in/disappear into the Aubiose. Thank goodness it isnt smelly!

[Egluntyne]

I'd put a cover over the run if you haven't already, as the Aubiose will soak up any rain.

[Ain't Nobody Here]

Yes, I do tend to poo pick daily. I keep an old flower pot and a plastic scoop in the run for that purpose .

[scarlettohara]

I pick out the bigger poos with some old gardening gloves - takes 5 minutes.

[Tutti Frutti]

I s"Ooops, word censored!"e up the curry poos with a 24p car ice-s"Ooops, word censored!"er (Tesco bargain!) and then hand pick the biggies - takes 5 mins

[Sandychick]

Probably sounds a bit mad, but I put all the aubiose through a garden sieve every 2 or 3 weeks. Takes all the poo out and looks great when its done. Actually only takes about 30 mins. The last Aubiouse I put down lasted over 3 months, but it is on slabs so doesn't get muddy.

[sezra]

I s"Ooops, word censored!"e up the curry poos with a 24p car ice-s"Ooops, word censored!"er (Tesco bargain!) and then hand pick the biggies - takes 5 mins

 

I use a spatula thing at the moment (never to be used in the kitchen again!)

 

Only half of the run is covered so some of it does get damp if it rains. I think I will have to try and cover more. I suppose I will get into my own routine with changing the bedding.

 

OH was having a big moan this morning as I hadn't poo picked from when they were free ranging in the garden yesterday. Think I will go and chat to the chickens!

[captaincollins]

Probably sounds a bit mad, but I put all the aubiose through a garden sieve every 2 or 3 weeks. Takes all the poo out and looks great when its done. Actually only takes about 30 mins. The last Aubiouse I put down lasted over 3 months, but it is on slabs so doesn't get muddy.

 

that is a great idea I will be copying that! thanks LOL