The wonders of crushed limestone

My chicks got sick this week.  I lost one of my Black Bhramas and the others were all having very loose watery white filled stools.  Everyone on the groups agreed that it was probably Coccidosis and that if I didn't do something quick I would lose about half of them.  They told me to clean the coop out, put down a layer of powdered lime, and fresh hay.  So that is exactly what I did.  I also stopped by Tractor Supply and got a new water jug and took away their auto waterer.  Even putting it up on the tire in the pen didn't keep the silly ducks out of it, and I'm pretty sure that is what got them sick in the first place. 

So they are all doing better now, but I have to express my joy and amazement at finding crushed limestone.  Ever since I raised those Cornish Cross, I have had a problem with ammonia build up in that coop.  I leave the windows open and clean it out regularly, but it will still knock you over on a hot day.  It was bad last night, because they had all had diarrhea.  I started putting that limestone down and by the time I was done, they ammonia smell was GONE!  I even took the remainder of the bag and spread it in the yard.  It works wonders for odor.  I am so happy.  I didn't use the pure lime, I was afraid it would burn their feet.  I used crushed limestone that I got at Orscheliens.  It's really cheap, 4$ for a 50lb bag.  Even with spreading it in the yard and the coop I didn't use the whole bag.  This is going to be a regular staple for me now.