Kitchen Garden Forum

Hi,
I have moved my hens from their current pen to a new site whilst their old pen recovers. I was wondering if anyone has any thoughts on what I can put on the ground to counter any build up of bacteria etc from their droppings.

Hilary

Hello Hilary
I don't think that there is much to worry about as far as bacteria and so on are concerned. Just let the weather do its job but you could loosen the soil with a fork as I expect that it has become compacted. Chickens do make the soil in their pen quite acid over a period of time so I would suggest a generous sprinkling of lime.

John

Hi Hilary

My hens are free-range so I don't have your problem. However, I would suggest you just dig over the ground, rake down and sow grass seed.

Thanks - have sprinkled lime over the ground to sweeten and will rake and put some grass seed down covered with wire to give it a chance when I move them back.