Part 0800.0005

[Heidi-Hi]

Hi all,

 

I've had my cube for a week. I've realised that it came with red mite from the previous owner, so had to do a proper clean and spray today. It took me hours (three!) just to take it down, wash and spray. It is drying now, so I still got to put it back together again.

 

I keep seeing on the forum how people love their cubes because they are so easy to clean, and quick etc. What am I doing wrong? The base was filthy, and I can only clean that if I take it all apart. I've got newspaper in my poo trays, which only helped a little. Also, can I get the roosting bars out to clean without taking the sides of, or only the back? Any cleaning advice for the cube would be received gratefully, as right now I feel like going back to my wooden house

[abwsco]

I can't see how it can be quick either to do a full take apart clean either

 

However, I can get the roosting bars out through the door. Have you tried that?

 

We've not got red mite, touch wood, so I have only ever taken the roof, back and nest box divider out. Poo trays as well of course and then just sprayed with Poultry Shield. I've then let it air dry before using Diatom and then put it back together. We also have to take the ladder off before we can do all of this because of how it fits into our WIR.

 

I don't use newspaper in the poo trays but use easibed or something similar. Poo picking these a couple of times a week if I've time (otherwise it's once a week) means that they don't get dirty.

[Lewis]

Also, can I get the roosting bars out to clean without taking the sides of, or only the back?

To get the roosting bars out you don't have to take the sides off - you can take off just the back ... or have I missed the question.

 

Slide the roof forwards, and there are 2 bolts that slide to take the back panel off - takes about 30 seconds?

You can get in to take the divide + roosting bars out, and then jet wash it all that way too.

 

Spray it down or use powder to get rid of the mites.

 

I'd just use Aubiose or wood shavings in the poo trays - newspaper can stick to the trays if it gets wet.

[abwsco]

You can get the roosting bars out without doing what Lewis says. They will fit out through the door as per my post. Well mine do anyway as I've just done it this afternoon

[Patricia W]

I've just had a red mite "do" when I did take everything apart, and clean and sprayed everything with a permethrin based spray. But having checked every day since, I'm now back to my usual clean routine.

 

Trays, bars out ( I open the roof but agree you can take them out through the door) Dump these in a container of diluted poultry shield ( or preferably I now prefer Total Mite Kill). Leave them to soak whilst cleaning base, nest box etc. Leave to dry. Then scub the trays, bars, put aubiose in the trays mixed with Diatom, by which time the rest is just about dry.

 

I gave the whole of the inside another spray with the permethrin spray cncentrating on the cracks. Then put everything back together. It took about 20 mins.

 

I think once you get in a routine you'll find it quicker.

 

Tricia

[Heidi-Hi]

Thank you so much for your help. I will change how I do a few things! I think today just took forever, because I took it all apart because of the red mite. Plus my hose doesn't reach to where the cube is (I've got a 100 feet garden, and the chooks are at the very bottom), so I have to lugg everything to where the hose is Anyway, thanks again, I'm glad that there is hope! PS: It gave me great satisfaction today to see plenty of DEAD mite

[Plum]

yuk glad they are dead. No hose for me but no red mite. Taking back and lid off and loose bits inside out. wash with bucket leave to drain and takes about 1/2hr. Guess if I had redmite I would take sides off too.

[Heidi-Hi]

It is all put together, and I have to say although it was hard work, I am pleased with my superclean cube. Last job tonight was to catch 9 chickens and give them a mite powder dusting - what a palava!! But it is done... Please please please tell me that I don't have to do that again next week. I seriously think OH will have a pink fit. He was not pleased that this has taken most of the day to do. I will have to be careful He is saying he wished he never said to me that I could have chickens I really really need them to start laying to earn their keep. I've done everything I can think of I need some good vibes please

[Patricia W]

My vet told me not to bother treating the chickens for red mite, but to concentrate on getting the house mite free- so that's what I've been doing. I

 

have 2 cubes and 2 eglus and have to say that the one cube with red mite has been more work to clear than the one eglu with it- more nooks and crannies, I think. But I take heart from my friend with a wooden cube - she's been fighting it for weeks and envies me being able to clean everything up so well

 

Tricia

[Mollie333]

I don't agree totally with your vet, Tricia, I'd get the birds mite free, put them in a different house which is powdered and mite free then concentrate on the housing, because you don't want your chickens covered in mites.

[Patricia W]

I keep checking them over and they do seem to be free. So won't treat until necessary - yesterday's cleaning session of 2 cubes and 2 eglus revealed - no mites! Fingers crossed....

 

Tricia

[Jools]

Fingers crossed you've sorted them Tricia.