Poo picking - the most efficient method

[Fools Motto]

18 ponies in 7 different 'patches' - max size of the largest patch is maybe 1.5 acres.
Electric fenced.
When ground allows the machine poo picks.
When wet trying to think of a way of doing it that takes the least time or the least physical effort.
Can poo pick into dustbins, then tip dustbins into the loader which will be parked outside the patches. - trouble is, heavy to lift said dustbins.
Wheel barrow a good 200meters at best to a 'dump zone'
Ramp to loader will be too steep to push barrow into.

I've seen at another yard the builders tonne bags, each placed near each paddock. When full tractor with forks picks it up to dump. I think it'll fill too quickly with said amount?

Or leave it to look rubbish and wait for machine?

Give me ideas on what might work, or how you'd do this.

 

[Achinghips]

If conditions allow and there will be many, make a mini muck heap in each field in one corner with a composter bin made out of pallets in a square shape with cable ties, 8 pallets in total? put in there, let it rot down and spread it back on as part of your rotation at end of season.

 

[Lintel]

I'm slightly lazy... so I'd be inclined to leave it too look rubbish and leave it for the machine*that's why you bought it *
That is if the paddocks are well enough and not COVERED! I'm happy to leave a couple of area's of poop but if you have a "whole field pooper" then I'd be inclined to go in with the wheelbarrow an take the worst away and pray for some dry!

That being said the builders bag sounds a good idea but I think it would get full pretty quick!

 

[AmyMay]

Harrow and roll.

 

[The Fuzzy Furry]

Christ, I'd run for the Hills!
I do 3 daily, or twice daily if out 24/7 , your 18 would kill me! :eek3:

 

[Achinghips]

Christ, I'd run for the Hills!
I do 3 daily, or twice daily if out 24/7 , your 18 would kill me! :eek3:

Yes. Agree. Any other bodies to help you OP ?

 

[poiuytrewq]

Respect for doing 18!!!
I'm struggling with 5. Was doing well till it got too churned up.
I'd be considering leaving it til it's drier as above if you are able. Or also suggested above mini muckheaps in each paddock?

 

[FfionWinnie]

Have you got pallet forks. If so look at tipping skips. They can tip into that then lift it and empty with the loader. I have a rectangular one with the floor as the release. It's brilliant. You might need a few for that many horses tho!

 

[Fools Motto]

Sadly the ponies aren't mine, but part of my job. I do have helpers, but only during school term time. They are very willing, if a little 'lost with things' along the way! It's during the holidays that its just me, and perhaps the machine. Myself and the boss are trying to come up with ideas that make life a little easier and allow time to do other stuff such as exercise the ponies!

 

[Spottyappy]

Throw muck up the hedges, as then it's off the field, but not doing any real harm.
If you're lucky, the horses will then get the idea and most of the poo will be where you've put the muck, thus saving lots of time in the long run, with just a few in random other places.
This is what I do during winter,and I only have 2/3.

 

[Tnavas]

OMG 18 and you poo pick!!!

Harrow and roll - puts fibre back into the soil improving it and if you have a quality worming programme then there should be no problem. Where I currently graze they harrow and I get 0 worm counts back.

With 18 to poo pick for you'd have no time to do anything else each day.

 

[Auslander]

Sod that! I don't poo pick in winter - they're all worm counted clear, and I don't want to destroy my soul tramping round in the mud to dig poo out. I've only got 6 - the thought of 18 makes me cringe!
I harrow once the ground dries up a bit.