Why Would You Never Hear About a Poultry Farmer Using Enzyme Sprays?

The Hen’s Pen
Nov 19
3 min read

Poultry farms, whether small backyard flocks or commercial operations, produce significant ammonia and odours from bedding, droppings, and water spillage. Yet, you rarely hear a poultry farmer using enzyme sprays. The reason is simple: enzyme sprays are often ineffective in large-scale or high-moisture environments. Natural adsorbent powders, such as diatomaceous earth and attapulgite clay, provide a superior solution for poultry odour control, moisture absorption, and hygiene management.

Adsorbent powders diatomaceous earth and attapulgite clay controlling chicken coop odours and ammonia in bedding — Natural adsorbent powders, including diatomaceous earth and attapulgite clay, effectively control ammonia and odours in chicken coop bedding, keeping poultry environments fresh, hygienic, and safe.

The Problem with Enzyme Sprays in Poultry

Enzyme sprays are designed to break down organic matter like proteins and urea. While they may work on small household spills, they struggle in poultry houses because:

High moisture levels reduce enzyme effectiveness
Ammonia gas from droppings is not adequately neutralised
Large surface areas like bedding, turf, and litter make coverage impractical
Short-term effect – odours often return within hours
Chemical residues may raise safety concerns for birds

Enzyme sprays are simply not practical for poultry farmers, which is why they are rarely used in commercial or backyard flocks.

Why Adsorbent Powders (not enzyme sprays) work for general animal & Poultry Odour Control

Natural adsorbent powders, including diatomaceous earth and attapulgite clay, use physical adsorption to capture:

Moisture from wet litter and spilled water
Ammonia gas, the primary source of poultry house odour
Volatile odour compounds from droppings
Microbes that contribute to odour and hygiene issues

These powders neutralise odours at the source, creating a healthier, fresher environment for birds and workers alike.

Benefits of Using Adsorbent Powders in Poultry Farming

Immediate ammonia reduction – keeps poultry houses smelling fresh
Moisture control – absorbs wet litter and water spillages
Safe for birds and workers – non-toxic, chemical-free, and eco-friendly
Multi-surface use – effective in bedding, cages, runs, and outdoor paddocks
Long-lasting odour control – prevents ammonia build-up and reduces cleaning frequency
Australian-made quality – sourced from Western Australian diatomaceous earth and attapulgite clay

How to Use Adsorbent Powders in Poultry Houses

Evenly sprinkle powders over litter, bedding, or high-moisture areas
Allow time for adsorption – powders will draw up moisture and ammonia
Mix or rake lightly to ensure even coverage
Reapply in heavily soiled areas or after deep cleaning

Tip: Regular use maintains low ammonia levels, reduces odours, and promotes healthier poultry, making your farm more hygienic and comfortable for birds and workers.

Conclusion

Poultry farmers avoid enzyme sprays for a reason – they simply don’t work at scale and fail to control ammonia effectively. Adsorbent powders like diatomaceous earth and attapulgite clay are the natural, safe, and cost-effective solution. They manage odours, absorb moisture, and maintain hygiene in poultry houses, barns, and runs, keeping both birds and farm workers in a healthier environment.

Everyone raising poultry should be using adsorbent powders instead of enzyme sprays – the results speak for themselves.