Droppings tray for under the roost

Bobkat · **Posted:** Sat Jun 23, 2012 6:12 pm

We have been given a stainless steel tray about 80 cm long, with a handle on both ends, and a lip of about 6 cm high around it. I was thinking of putting it under the perch (which will be about 1.3 metres long) when we get our 3 chickens. The raised floor of the coop is old floorboards, topped with lino we were also given - there's enough lino to go up the sides as well to try to prevent mites getting into the nooks and crannies.

I had thought we would just put straw or sugar cane mulch on top of the lino, to keep it snug and clean out each morning. Does anyone think the tray would be ok to use for easier cleaning? Should I still put straw on top of it? I'd appreciate any advice either on droppings trays generally, or this possible set-up in particular.
Thanks
Bobkat

ILoveMyChickies · **Posted:** Sat Jun 23, 2012 6:19 pm

That sounds really good. If you put straw down it will be good. Also use the tray as it will be easier to clean and put straw on it too. Sounds like a lovely home for your chooks when you get them. [smilie=a_happygolucky.gif]

Bobkat · **Posted:** Sun Jun 24, 2012 12:29 am

Thanks so much for the advice, helps build my confidence I am doing the right thing.
Appreciate it
Bobkat

Doobi · **Joined:** Fri Jul 13, 2012 12:25 pm **Posts:** 3

I have the very same thing under the roost in my coop thank to a cleaver hubby but mine has wheels on one end so I can get it out as its too long and heavy for me. I take it over to the veggie garden and scrap off the poop and then hose it off and put it back. The veggie love that once a week richual and they give me back nice lettuce and toms

wickedwings · **Posted:** Fri Jul 13, 2012 4:23 pm

Doobi,

Just checking, but do you keep the fresh manure away from your leafy vegetables? You can get problems with contamination of leafy, salad type veggies (lettuce, siverbeet, bok choy etc...) when the manure is not composted. Even if it is not directly on the leaves when you apply it but you can get particles splashed up from watering or rain. Obviously you would wash them well instead of grazing while you're gardening like I sometimes do. :roll:

Doobi · **Joined:** Fri Jul 13, 2012 12:25 pm **Posts:** 3

Sorry should have said I put it about 20cm away from the base of the lettuce and sometime I soak it in water when the lettuce are really big.
Thanks for the reminder to clarify you do have to be a little cautious

Doobi · **Joined:** Fri Jul 13, 2012 12:25 pm **Posts:** 3

Oh and I graze while gardening too heheh especially on the toms can't resist them

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