pigeoncrazy
76 posts
Aug 31, 2009
11:26 AM
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Does anyone have advice on a safe way to keep odors down in the loft?
I am using sand on the floor now. I scrape down the loft and sift the droppings out 1x per week. Toward the end of the week sometimes it gets pungent, even though my loft is dry and well-ventilated.
I don't have time to clean more than 1x per week, unfortunately. So looking for something I can scatter or spray that's safe for the birds but controls the smell somewhat.
Thanks in advance!
~Karen
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Electric-man
2444 posts
Aug 31, 2009
11:40 AM
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Apple cider vinegar will help. Put some in a spray bottle and spray it around the loft.
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Val
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J_Star
2132 posts
Aug 31, 2009
11:48 AM
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White Vineger will help.
Jay
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pigeoncrazy
77 posts
Aug 31, 2009
12:41 PM
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Thanks guys, I will give the vinegar a try!
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Oldfart
GOLD MEMBER
1397 posts
Aug 31, 2009
1:16 PM
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Karen, Val and Jay are right. I like the Apple Cider Vinegar but ether will work. If you are using a lot get the Heinz in a gal. jug at the grocery. It's cheaper that way.
I also use white sand on my floors but luckily I'm retired and have time to clean everyday. What is your cleaning regime?
Thom
Last Edited by on Aug 31, 2009 1:19 PM
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pigeoncrazy
78 posts
Aug 31, 2009
1:39 PM
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Hey Thom,
I use play sand on the floor - about 1/2 inch deep. Every Saturday morning I scrape down all the boxes, perches, and the flight pen floor. Then I sweep & scrape the sand into piles. I use a pasta strainer to sift all the droppings out. I do the same thing in my dove aviary. (not the same strainer i use for my pasta, lol!)
Every couple of months I'll take out all the sand and replace it. Also, if things look too grungy I will scrub down with hot water, bleach, and a little dish soap.
I was using straw, but it's so bulky it is a pain to get rid of. (straw seems to keep the odor down a little better though)
Sure wish I had time to clean every day!
Last Edited by on Aug 31, 2009 1:41 PM
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katyroller
525 posts
Aug 31, 2009
2:19 PM
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Pigeoncrazy,
Are you feeding pellets? My buddy feeds pellets and his lofts stink pretty bad. If your loft is dry and well ventilated you really shouldn't have any odor issues.
Tracey
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Oldfart
GOLD MEMBER
1398 posts
Aug 31, 2009
4:17 PM
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Hey Karen, That is pretty much what I do also. I first use a home made 1/4 x 1/4 inch strainer to get all of the feathers and big clumps. Then I use a large kitchen strainer for what is left, spilled feed, or what ever. I don't have any problem but I am able to clean everyday. I can't really think of anything else, you seem to be doing all you can. Wish I could have helped more. :(
Thom
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pigeoncrazy
79 posts
Aug 31, 2009
4:19 PM
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Hi Tracey,
I'm feeding grain.
The odor is not terrible, but enough that I notice it when I'm in the loft. (I live in the city and if neighbors complain I could lose my pigeon permit. So maybe I'm extra sensitive.)
Thom, that is pretty much what I do too. But 1x per week instead of every day. Maybe I'll try to squeeze in another cleaning session mid-week.
Anyway thanks all for your help!
~Karen
Last Edited by on Aug 31, 2009 4:22 PM
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PR_rollers
GOLD MEMBER
3341 posts
Aug 31, 2009
4:30 PM
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I use to use sand but I notice it smell more ,mayby because My kit box don't have drawers I let it fall on the ground and the sand would get wet from the rain and it smell .I change from sand to cat litter and now it don't smell depending what cat litter you use without perfume that some have.. and I spray white vinegar in all my boxes everyday after I scrape which leaves the area smelling fresh....
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Ralph.
Life comes down to the choices you make, and then living with the results.
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Ty Coleman
690 posts
Aug 31, 2009
5:38 PM
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I only have to clean my floors every 3 months. I'm glad I chose pine straw. It cost about 10 bucks to cover the loft floor and can be removed with a pitch fork in about 15 minutes 5 minutes to sweep the floor and another 5 to reaplly the straw. Great pine smell to boot and some bugs cant stand the pine oil so it helps there also.
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Ty
Vapor Trail Lofts
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Tony Chavarria
Site Publisher
3657 posts
Aug 31, 2009
5:44 PM
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I think the sand might be holding onto the moisture and is giving you the odor. Consider a clay kitty litter, it has a trying action and will not harm the birds. You received a lot of good advice. Good luck.
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FLY ON!
Tony Chavarria
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Ty Coleman
693 posts
Aug 31, 2009
6:42 PM
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LOL yes I meant pine needles, we call it straw here in Georgia but you have to remeber getonoutahear and yaeat yet is from Georgia also, LOL
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Ty
Vapor Trail Lofts
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PR_rollers
GOLD MEMBER
3346 posts
Sep 01, 2009
1:54 PM
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I use white vinegar and I use it with out mixing for spraying around loft..now for the birds to drink I use braggs Mother's Apple Cider Vinegar a Tbl spoon or two to a gallon of water..
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Ralph.
Life comes down to the choices you make, and then living with the results.
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Gringo
4 posts
Sep 04, 2009
7:58 AM
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what does apple cider vinegar do for the birds?
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Sunflower
GOLD MEMBER
520 posts
Sep 04, 2009
9:54 AM
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Gringo,
It is not a replacement for other treatments, just a supplement. I use it one day every 2 weeks, 1 tablespoon to a gallon of water. Leave it in front of them for one day then dump the remainder. Follow with probiotics for one day.
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Keep em Spinning
Joe
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Gringo
6 posts
Sep 04, 2009
10:25 AM
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cheers joe.
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