The 'Spores'

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Hi Guys

After reading through lots of the fabulous posts on here, I keep seeing reference to the 'spores' when talking about bedding or base materials for a chicken run.

Can I just clarify that the 'spores' are referring to Aspergillosis?

Sorry, I know it's basic question but I had to ask. I'm a new poultry keeper but very experienced with birds of prey so it's nice to know what I'm dealing with.

Shirley

PS: Sorry if this shows up in various topics, I'm still finding my way around the Forum. :?
 
Hello shirley and welcome,
your heading sounded like something from outer space, so I HAD to read it!
I've been chicken keeping for about 3 years now, and I know bedding gets yukky and disgusting if you don't keep on top of cleaning it very regularly, also wooden hut flooring, the same I suppose.
I always thought the dreaded spores came with straw usually, so for bedding I changed to small woodshavings, which the girls love, but which blow everywhere, especially when the Pekins flap their wings, and Aubiose, which I think is splinters of hemp stem, and I do not find it as absorbent as wood shavings, which smell lovely - when fresh, and stays put when the Pekins are not flapping!!
I think both of the above are better than straw.
 
Just read up on this Shirley. Didn't realise there were so many fungal variants. Yes, Aspergillosis causing inflammation of the airways. We had several cases of black mould growing on unpainted exterior grade (hardwood) plywood due to condensation from poor ventilation or just general damp. All the plywood used in my coops is now primed and gloss painted to seal it completely. Since then we have had no recurrences.

Straw bedding, as well as making a good home for red mite, can rot if damp and fungus will grow. Just look at a damp bale after a few weeks.

We use wood shavings in Summer and Aubiose in Winter. We find Aubiose too dusty in Summer but very absorbent for a damp Winter. It is also very sharp on little chicks feet and i made the mistake of using it, then had to get the first aid kit out.
 
I have kept silkies for a couple of years now and have always used straw for their bedding which I poo pick every day (I do only have 2). I have never had the straw become damp and wondered have I just been lucky. My coop is extremely dry but does have ventilation. Also I clean it out probably ever 2 wks and replace./replenish the straw. I always give them loads to nestle down in. Am wondering now whether I should change to shavings but wonder whether in the depths of winter they will be warm enough - I hate to think of them cold :(
 
Hi MM. If the straw was dried properly and doesn't subsequently get damp, also as the red mite season is over and as you change it every two weeks as well I would think you would be OK. But I would consider wood shavings next Summer.
 
the best bedding of all to stop any form of spores mould or dust if paper bedding but that does go everywhere especailly if its windy but a big bag which costs £10 lasts me for about 2 months and its great as it holds the poo together in dry clumps :D . but i do tend to chop and change as it depends on what i am using for the horses .
 
Thanks Chris - Yes in summer would use shavings and just leave some straw in nest box. Karminski I did try shredded paper as can get that for free but as you say you only have to open the door and it blows everywhere !!
 
i need to use it full time for one of my horses but i cant as it works out to expensive so hes back on shavings that are hosed down to reduce the dust , i adore the girls being on it but not when its wet makes it hell to rake up :lol:
 
Thanks for the feedback everyone. :)

I think (and please correct me if I'm wrong) that the posts I've read have been more to do with 'spores' that are produced by decomposing vegetable matter. Certainly, garden bark used in runs would fit that role. I doubt if anyone would leave bedding - of whatever type - so long that it would decompose.

If that's the case, then it is definitely Aspergillosis spores. These are spectacularly dangerous to birds of prey and I have no doubt that they would be similarly fatal in chickens.

The spores are breathed in and nestle in the lining of the lungs where they grow into a full blown mould. Gradually the bird suffocates as the lungs fill with this mould leaving no space for oxygen. Not a pretty end.

With that in mind, I will continue to refuse to have a compost heap/bin in my garden and try to discourage my neighbours from having one too. I don't take chances with my hawks and I certainly won't take chances with with my chooks either.

Thanks for your comments. :)

Shirley
 
I know. Honestly, I do!

You'll get endless hours of entertainment out of a newbie blundering her way about the forums.

I hope you enjoyed that blunder, it was indeed a classic and I hope I passed the audition!

:lol:

Shirley
 
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