Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[izemum]

hi All!

YEY! I finally have my cube (got a lovely red one in the end) and the omlet 2x2 walk in run. I think that I am going to try Aubiose on the run floor (keeping it dry with clear tarp and contained round the ending with some wooden planks) but I am unsure as to how much I would need and how thick to make it? Plus, how often I would need to change the whole lot? Thanks very much in advance!

[The Dogmother]

You don't need much - mine only get a coverage of about 1-1.5". They tend to kick it around a bit and it always ends up moving to the back, so each week I sprinkle it with Ground Sanitising Powder and rake it forwards, or top up with a bit more.

[chooksRCute]

I use one whole bag 20kg, for the cube 2m run & a 3x2m WIR, poo pick every day and sprinkle ground sanitiser once a week. I found it looked pretty grubby after 2mths so did a complete rake out, including the ground underneath. I don't have a membrane down so they do scratch up the dry soil underneath.

[The Dogmother]

Mine is slabbed underneath. I don't poo pick as it just seems to disappear. I clean it out completely every 6-8 weeks, or when it starts to look manky.

[izemum]

Thanks very much, that is all very helpful.

[mullethunter]

DM what is your set up and is there a particular reason you use aubiose rather than wood chip?

[The Dogmother]

I have a cube with a train of about 3 run extensions, all covered. I use Aubiose because it absorbs the poo and any moisture, never smells and is very easy to compost afterwards. Once used, you'll never go back!

 

I always used to use wood shavings, as was tradition, but this is MUCH better.

[mullethunter]

In my new set up (3 x2 WIR and Eglu Go) I have used hardwood chip - mainly because only one section is covered. It's fine but doesn't seem very cosy or comfy.

 

I've just got a Tarpaflex tarpaulin though so as it'll be completely covered I may switch to aubiose when I have to get rid of these chips (which I'm hoping will be months)