an all cement yard

[Brooklynfarmer]

I actually bought a mortar tub ($5) at Home Depot and 50 lb sand. I went with what was easiest and cheapest. (However, now I know what to plan for in the future.)

I use a litter scoop in the mornings and afternoon to sift out the droppings, if any.

When I build the dust box should it have a roof to keep the contents dry when it rains?

 

[Molly Mojo]

When I build the dust box should it have a roof to keep the contents dry when it rains?

I would, but for now, this one works in the coop, but they have a few spots they like in the yard, so I give them variety. Once I build an enclosed run, I’ll prob use a tire or one of the large mortar boxes.

The shape is a rectangle, but deep. I used 50# in the medium size.

Some of my chickens like to lay on it bc it stays cool.

 

[donddon]

When I build the dust box should it have a roof to keep the contents dry when it rains?

A piece of plywood on top while it's raining AND at night will do nicely. You wouldn't want neighborhood cats using it as a litter box. DO avoid using DE. It's rough on the lungs. Top soil, mason sand, or a mix of the two is good.

 

[WolfGirlMagic]

So about 2" of PDZ and then a toping of either straw, Coop Clean bedding, or pine chips?

That would work. Honestly its even easier to clean if you just use the pdz and sift it like kitty litter.
If you use pine chips or bedding the pdz will cut down on odor very well.
So 2" would work and could use as is, or add other bedding. Whichever you prefer. Bedding choices are very much personal preferences so see what works for yoy

 

[WolfGirlMagic]

How much is the stuff? Lots of info but have to email them to find out if someone sells near you. Heck, I’m on disability, so each dollar that is in my chicken budget has to be planned a month or two ahead


Do you use the powder or granules?

My coop has a cement floor that extends a few inches past the kennel (10x10). I’ve covered top and sides providinf for sufficient shade and sunshine, as well as beeezes.

As of now, I’m using the deep litter method, with regular dried grass trimmings added.

Can you add it to the top of the current base? Or would I have to clean out the entire floor and start over? There is no smell or even flies since I switched to this, however I know that it is inevitable.

They free range in the evenings.

Steer clear of powder. Use granules only. The powder is hard on the lungs. You can ABSOLUTELY add to the top, no need to remove everything. It will help control odor and fly larva hate the stuff (too dry)
They sell it at tractor supply where i am for $15 for a 40lb bag. As a supplement to bedding the stuff goes far.
Im surprised your deep litter system works so well over cement, that method did not work for me at all. Got moldy and horrid.

 

[Molly Mojo]

Steer clear of powder. Use granules only. The powder is hard on the lungs. You can ABSOLUTELY add to the top, no need to remove everything. It will help control odor and fly larva hate the stuff (too dry)
They sell it at tractor supply where i am for $15 for a 40lb bag. As a supplement to bedding the stuff goes far.
Im surprised your deep litter system works so well over cement, that method did not work for me at all. Got moldy and horrid.

I started with just pine shavings and then I read and read. Since we are on a bunch of land, lawn clippings are abundant. We take it up and just drop the small piles and they spread it around.

I can definitely handle that price and the fact that I can add to existing, it sounds perfect.