How can i dry out my calving pens / horse pens?

[CircleA]

howdy y'all
any one have any good ideas on trying out the mud in my pens? I tried pine shavings - that works ok but can be costly. I considered straw but am concerned about the smell as the straw rots.

the portion of the pens that need drying out are uncovered.

thanks all

Alex

 

[Kelly]

Have you tried dumping barn lime on top of the wet mud? Then putting some sawdust or shavings down after the sun has had a chance to let the lime soak up some of the moisture?

 

[CircleA]

thanks Kelly,
that was what i was thinking- to use Lime. But i couldn't remember why. I know we used it in the mortar when i was a brick layer, but could remember why.

You spoke of "Barn Lime" is this different than the bags of lime i can get at the lumber yard?


Thanks
Alex

 

[J Baxter]

Circle A,

If you aren't too far out of the California rice belt use rice hulls rather than saw dust after the lime. They are much cheaper - free in some instances.

JB