actually, I only add about an inch or 2 every few weeks, the chickens keep it pretty loose on top and the heavy debris sinks down and in. I will tell you, when you clean it all out, the bottom layer is stinky and wet, but day to day, it's the best flooring to have in the coop.
the key to the deep litter method is not to turn it and disturb it. I empty it all out and clean it good once the weather stays above freezing. Then I replace the sawdust/shavings and let it go until the heat starts or I start getting flies, then change it again, so maybe 3 times a year... in...
I boosted this for two reasons, I only use deep sand in the run, I live in Central Illinois so I get real cold, if you keep it raked, it stays nice and clean and soft all winter. My coop is deep litter ~6" of pine shavings, Nesting box is mix of straw, pine, and herbs. I sprinkle DE in the boxes...
ok, and what about introducing 2 Indian runners into an already established Chicken coop? I've had my Chickens for 3 years, adding more as older layers stopped. Now we are wanting to do Duck eggs, and until I figure out if they are all they crack up to be I don't want to build another separate coop.
Wanted to re-boost this post. I have added a layer of used railroad ties around my coop, this has allowed me to install 4" plastic drainage tiles, covered in the fabric wrap, and also allowed for almost a full 8" deep layer of sand. The coop used to flood, and with the raised elevation and added...
How long should I seperate the "Alpha" Hen? I recently inherited 14 hens, they have been going through a new pecking order, and I thought it was done. The new "Alpha" is my biggest hen, she attacked and drew blood the other day almost ripping the come off of one hen, and has another one almost...