Cleaning out deep litter method

[happytails1]

I have alot of wet poopy hay that has over the winter managed to weave itself into a very thick heavy blanket! I can not fit my bobcat throught the door (regular human door) Does anyone have a suggestion on an easier method for breaking apart the heavy thick weave ?
thanks for reading

 

[rjmyooper]

Welcome to BYC. Isn't chicken poo flammable? Well, if you take that route, be careful, or maybe, just don't do that.

 

[Isadora]

Hello, and welcome to BYC! I'm so glad you decided to join our friendly and helpful community.
Your question is why a lot of people don't want to use hay. It makes such a thick mat it can be hard to clean .
I try to only use hay in the nesting areas because of this.
I don't know of any other way than the kind that breaks your back. Sorry for not being more helpful.

 

[rjmyooper]

Would it help to layer pine shavings in between the straw? I was really looking forward to using something that is really cheap around here. I still planned on using some store bought pine shavings. I can also get saw dust for free.

 

[Dr Evy]

Welcome to BYC. We’re so glad you joined! Good luck!

 

[GermanKennhuhn]

Hello and welcome to BYC! We’re so glad you joined!

 

[NatJ]

I have alot of wet poopy hay that has over the winter managed to weave itself into a very thick heavy blanket! I can not fit my bobcat throught the door (regular human door) Does anyone have a suggestion on an easier method for breaking apart the heavy thick weave ?

Have you already tried a pitchfork?
Stick the tines in, pull loose some amount, put it in a wheelbarrow, repeat.

Speaking from experience, a pitchfork is MUCH better than a shovel or even a rake.

 

[featherhead007]

And when you are done, have a few Tylenol ready for your recovery.

 

[janiedoe]

Welcome to BYC.
That hay may have mold growing in it, so you may need to wear a mask while breaking it up.
Mold can cause respiratory distress in chickens as well.

 

[happytails1]

Have you already tried a pitchfork?
Stick the tines in, pull loose some amount, put it in a wheelbarrow, repeat.

Speaking from experience, a pitchfork is MUCH better than a shovel or even a rake.

thank you ,,, yes, i think i may just have to try and fork less depth at a time ... either i or the pitch fork will break unless I find some way to leverage the way i was going at it

i am extra encouraged here as I have used this deep litter method for the sheep barn as well ... uhgg ..... i still might come up with some DIY metal instrument with a fulcrum yet .... who knows !