Lambing shed floor

[Jonny_2]

Had a terrible time with infections last year at lambing so using loads more straw this year however it doesn't seem to last five minutes, I think moisture is coming up from the ground. The shed floor is stone, rubble and a lot of soil untouched for 30 years. Wanting to raise it up a few inches and hopefully make it drier. The base is solid so was thinking of putting down biggish stone (around 4in), roll it then bind it with Tarmac plainings and roll again. Anyone agree or have enough suggestions? Concrete would be great but don't have deep enough pockets atm

 

[idgni]

throw a light dusting/coat of bedding lime over the bed before applying new straw.
Cheap ,kills bugs, helps feet for footrot, kills smell of ammonia, and keeps the bedding dry.
works brilliantly for us and it only takes a few extra minutes to do

 

[Leereade]

As above lime is the best way even with a concrete base straw bedding still gets very damp

 

[Bury the Trash]

Had a terrible time with infections last year at lambing so using loads more straw this year however it doesn't seem to last five minutes, I think moisture is coming up from the ground. The shed floor is stone, rubble and a lot of soil untouched for 30 years. Wanting to raise it up a few inches and hopefully make it drier. The base is solid so was thinking of putting down biggish stone (around 4in), roll it then bind it with Tarmac plainings and roll again. Anyone agree or have enough suggestions? Concrete would be great but don't have deep enough pockets atm

Half of my main sheep shed is lump chalk floor.

Put it in as couldn't afford concrete at the time,it has lasted well for sheep,and is ideal for this use purpose - stays drier/better drained than concrete would .

Bit of an art putting it down well though -
don't skimp on the amount -have a good thickness -
Then when levelled , wet it to a certain wetness and use a vibrating roller and plate wacker in corners to consolidate/cap the surface . do it well and it will a last.
leave it 'puffy' or lose and you will pick it up when cleaning out.

but when cleaning shed.
out
we use a (wide) bucket not fork. and with a careful operator 'no digging in' and loosening the floor will occur

 

[Dyffryn]

I put a layer of sawdust first. Does a very good job. And lime before the straw every time.

 

[Benr]

+1 for lime. Bed up twice a week and always lime first, mainly around the feed fence where it gets wettest and dirtiest

 

[Old Shep]

I put a layer of sawdust first. Does a very good job. And lime before the straw every time.

What advantage do you get with the sawdust please?

 

[Dyffryn]

the straw is much drier.

 

[Dyffryn]

Im talking 3-4 inches of sawdust.

 

[aled1590]

I bed down, then light dusting of lime on top of straw around 4ft depth from feed fence where they stand. No doubt it helps with feet