What is the easiest way to introduce new chickens to an existing flock?

[mullethunter]

Hello all,

 

My run is currently earth and leaves which are dry (except for the edges when it rains hard) as I have covers over the whole length of the run.

 

I need something to sanitize and hopefully slightly deodorise the ground.

 

Do you think Nettex or BioDri?

 

Also - how big is a bale of Aubiose? Don't know if I can fit one in my store.

 

Thankyou

[clucker1]

Ok, well like the smell of nettex better, but bio dry a lot cheaper which I presently use so in view of cost difference have just reordered biodry. My aubiose comes in in a big plastic wrapped crate shape, heavy and bulky...if that is of any help.

[Guest]

Aubiose comes in a bag/bale about the same size as a regualr bale of straw.

 

I used biodri in the past and was happy with it but the new tub doesn't have any fragrance at all and to be honest I don't think it does a thing. I need something to sanitize rather than just dry up poop. The last run clean out I used the nettex ground sanitiser and IMO the flooring has kept much fresher but then we have not had any rain so maybe that is why it is fresher.

 

 

So in short I just try everything for a while then decide it is rubbish so buy a new product and so on and so on

[mullethunter]

Thank you both. Will try nettex first I think. Probably don't have enough space for a bale of Aubiose then - will have to re-think storage!

[Choo-chook]

I've tried both and prefer nettex, it's fragranced which makes the coop that bit fresher. I use aubiose but have used easi chick in the past which comes in smaller bales and does the same thing, basically don't think there's much between them.

[The Dogmother]

I used Stalosan in the old days, but it is very powdery, so tricky to use in windy weather and it tended to get a bit airborne when sprinkled, which wasn't pleasant. I have used Biodry, but much prefer the Nettex Ground Sanitising Powder.

 

A bale of Aubiose is 20kg in weight, and compacted right down, so it is pretty dense and contains loads.

[Valkyrie]

Handy to know. I am on the point of making my list for the shows. Used to have Stalosan but it stains everything red and our jet spray can't seem to remove it either! So been using Biodry for some time now. I only have a tiny pot of Nettex so will look out for bigger pots.

[PixieDust]

We are going to use bark chippings which are not fresh. They will be changed regularly for compost. OH used to be a tree surgeon and is insistent upon using seasoned bark rather than wood chips. Says it is something to do with the cellular compound of bark.

 

Anyhow, it will be on the ground not concrete. Which would be better for us to use, please?

[mullethunter]

I can't say which would be better but my run is half earth, half slabs - the girls constantly dig through / dust bathe in the earth which is dry because the run is mostly covered - and I use Nettex once a week and am very happy with it.

[PixieDust]

OK I will research and add to my list. Thank you.