@Ridgerunner
Yesterday I received a set of cage wire clips and the pliers to use them. I ordered late October when we discussed this above.
In front of my eyes I see now how they will work, clever.
Thank you.
My comment above references deep bedding not litter.
I have no experience with Silkies, mixed or otherwise. I have read enough here to know that they are very different than the breeds I am familiar with so my following comment may have no relevance.
When I integrate chicks into my coop/run...
While I know that poop does turn to dust I was not aware that deep bedding "relies on it turning to dust". Rather, I assumed that this happens as a consequence of droppings left during the daytime hours.
I had understood that a successful (ie minimal turnover or replacement) deep bedding...
You would be best to provide location information (update your profile so it is always visible to readers) as climate will influence the type of coop that is most suitable.
Also information regarding predators in your local area, how many chickens do you plan to house, space and location on...
Get with the program. We are discussing Sulphur not "DE".
I am careful, do not come to the party with pre-conceived. Sporadic use but have a highly functioning bioderm (ie coop & run) as a flock foundation. Sulphur is a cautious part of that.
Mites & lice I have read.
I got mites, not a trivial experience. I then went offensive to deter incl. Sulphur. Now several years, no more northern red mites.
If you build a Woods start with a 10x16. Sufficient for 40 birds. If you want more build a second... If you want storage build a back half.
The design is brilliant.
I am a huge proponent of elevated platforms, mine is 3+ feet off the ground ("money for nothing and chicks for free").
Concrete not required. Elevation has the double advantage of being a critter deterrent.