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  Discussion on Disinfecting dirt stall floor.
Author Message
New Member:
oirish

Posted on Thursday, Jan 10, 2013 - 1:52 pm:

Hey DrO. I need to disinfect my stall floor. It is dirt. Last fall I used it to store hay in there. I had placed a tarp down over the dirt. This February I need to use the stall for foaling, so I removed the tarp and the dirt floor looks gross and smells gross as well...bacteria/moldy..germy!! I know its hard to disinfect dirt/organic material... What can I do for the dirt floor? Is there anything I can use to try to make it a little healthier? Can I use a coating of hydrated lime, leave it on for a couple of days then shovel it out. Or should I use regular barn lime that is less toxic? When its closer to foaling time should I cover it in pdz and a very thick layer of bedding pellets, topped with straw ? I am concernced its very germy. ( I have already disinfected the walls with pine sol) Thanks!
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Saturday, Jan 12, 2013 - 9:44 am:

Hello Anastasia,
I think using hydrated lime and then shoveling it out and replacing with healthier floor material is a logical way to deal with this.

Concerning the terminology you use, I consider "barn lime" the same as "hydrated lime" but different than "agricultural lime" which is carbonates of calcium and magnesium. Hydrated lime (CaOH2) is very alkaline so can be caustic. However the chemicals are not toxic. The alkalinity is usually partially neutralized by the acidity of the stall floor. We recommend you do not directly contact or inhale hydrated lime. If you cannot spread it without raising dust, use a good quality filter mask until it is settled and dampened. You should use so much that you have piles of dry powder left on the floor.
DrO
Member:
oirish

Posted on Wednesday, Jan 16, 2013 - 6:01 pm:

Hi, I put enough that there were piles of powder. I used 100 lbs on a 12x24 stall.
I shoveled up as much as I could but obvious amount of hardened lime remains. Infact the floor is white and hard as a rock. Its been very humid so I assume the hydrated lime absorbed the moisture and hardened? Do I need to remove this too? Or can I now cover with 6 inches of pellet bedding?
Thank you kindly
Member:
paul303

Posted on Thursday, Jan 17, 2013 - 8:51 pm:

My inclination would be to put down "screenings" or, crushed stone, or whatever it is called in your neck of the woods, over the lime. Then cover that with a layer of sand. Finally, cut some rubber stall mats to fit ( anything wet will run through the seams and drain ). Not sure what the current thinking is on pelleted bedding ( I haven't had a foal in years),but I would think that the tendency of the pellets to break down into sawdust would not be a great thing around the umbilicus. I would tend to bed the mare down in loads of straw. This system would separate the mare and foal from any caustic tendencies of the lime and provide drainage.

Wishing you much good luck. A new foal is always an incredible experience.
Member:
oirish

Posted on Friday, Jan 18, 2013 - 10:41 am:

Hi Lee, thanks for the reply.
Yes, the mare/foal will be born on a very thick bed of straw and I am keeping keep them on it after as well.

For this particular barn I do not want to put in a complete flooring system with fines, sand and mats. The property is for sale and is selling as is.
I think if DrO feels there is still too much lime I will haul in a layer of sand. It already has a drain. Regardless, Its going to have 6 inches of pelleted bedding because I have a huge amount of pellet bedding that needs to be used. ( closer to foaling time I will add the straw on top.)

Thank you for your kind words, I am looking forward to this little rambunctious one.
Member:
paul303

Posted on Saturday, Jan 19, 2013 - 1:39 am:

Best of luck for a wonderful baby!
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Wednesday, Jan 23, 2013 - 7:06 am:

Hello Anastasia,
I would try to get up all the remaining lime before rebedding the stall.
DrO
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