Smelly run

[CKoz]

I have enclosed the chicken run on all three sides (northwest, west, and southeast). The run is open on the top of each side for ventilation. However, it now smells inside the run. I have removed the plastic on the bottom of the door to help with the smell (picture #4). Any other suggestions????

 

[nuthatched]

Lower the plastic another 2 feet. What material is in the run.

 

[AntiqueB]

I only cover the bottom 3 feet. Air above their heads is ok. I also scoop visible poop daily from the run. My floor is dirt.

 

[Ridgerunner]

To solve a problem it usually helps to know what is causing it. Can you tell where the smell is coming from?

Smell often comes from the run or coop being wet. Is the bedding or dirt in the run staying wet? Is the water fresh? Is the poop so thick that it stays wet? These are common causes but there could be others.

 

[jreardon1918]

You might consider removing all wrapping on a whole side. I cover the south and north sides with plastic. Leaving the top 12-18" open. The west side of the run is protected by the coop. The east side is always open. If a Nor' Easter is in process a bit of snow blows in. The run stays somewhat defrosted and dry for a majority of the winter. The windows and the chicken door remain open 365 days. On sunny days like today, the sun shines through the plastic and does some warming and drying.

 

[CKoz]

Lower the plastic another 2 feet. What material is in the run.

Pine shavings